January 13, 2016 10.19 am This story is over 98 months old

Closure of Lincolnshire tips would be “nonsensical”, argues councillor

Views needed: Proposals which have put two Lincolnshire waste sites at risk of closure have sparked dispute from Independent councillors.
Leader of the Lincolnshire Independents Marianne Overton said the closure of the sites would be "perverse" and lead to an increase in fly-tipping.

Proposals which have put two Lincolnshire waste sites at risk of closure have sparked dispute from Independent councillors.

The possible shutdown of the Whisby and Leadenham household waste recycling centres is part of a wave of cuts proposed in Lincolnshire County Council’s 2016/17 budget proposals.

Opponents of the plans have set up a public meeting for people to air their view on the potential loss of the two amenities.

The meeting, set up by Independent councillors Marianne Overton, Paul Wood and Bob Samson, will be held at 7pm on Thursday, January 14 at The Venue in Navenby.

In response to the ongoing review into the service, Leader of the Lincolnshire Independents Councillor Marianne Overton said: “Closing this local site is perverse, a backward step leading to worse costly fly-tipping in our rural lanes.

“Good citizens would have to drive their rubbish around 30 miles round trip, into central Lincoln or Sleaford, adding an unnecessary burden of traffic congestion, additional pollution and inconvenience to the public.

“The saving is minimal as this is probably the most cost-effective of all our sites. The supposed need to raise standards with futuristic raised bridges is disproportionate and nonsensical.”

Similar proposals were put forward in 2012. Councillor Overton added: “Many of you will remember the furore about this issue last time. Local amenity sites are under threat again. Please help us!”

Councillor Reg Shore, executive member for Waste and Recyling said: “Lincolnshire County Council is being asked to find another £170m of savings in the next four years with our government grant reducing to 10% of what it was only a short time ago.

“As a result consideration is having to be given to stopping or reducing some services, and this includes the area of household waste recycling centres.

“We’d urge residents in this district to take the opportunity to express their views on the council’s budget and all our services in a series of consultation meetings taking place across the county.”