As reported on wilmslow.co.uk last month, Cheshire East Council is currently considering making changes to its household waste recycling centres in order to save money.
Wilmslow Town Council discussed the current consultation at their meeting on Monday, 19th December, and agreed to request that Cheshire East Council implements two late nights at the Knutsford and Poynton centres during the summer months.
Having considered four options - which include closing some, reducing opening hours and introducing new charges to generate an income - Cheshire East Council is recommending closing the Arclid site, which the smallest and least efficient site, from the 1st April 2017.
Additionally they would generate income by introducing a charge for the deposit of non household waste and open sites to trade waste from small traders in the construction industry. Whilst savings would be made through reducing opening times. This would provide estimated savings of £726,000.
The sites are currently open 12 hours in summer (May to August 8am - 8pm), 8 hours in winter (November to February, 8am - 4pm) and 10 hours in spring/ autumn (March, April, September and October, 8am - 6pm). The proposal is to reduce the opening hours at all sites to 8.30 - 5pm summer (April-September) and 8.30 - 4pm in winter (October – March).
Speaking at the Town Council meeting, Councillor Gary Barton said "I think it would be worthwhile highlighting the importance to the Wilmslow community of the Poynton and Knutsford facilities.
"I think it is our duty as the Town Council to reinforce the importance of those two facilities, particularly as we have no prospect of the Wilmslow facility reopening."
He added "It seems to me that in the summer months a 5pm closing time would be somewhat on the early side."
Cllr Barton continued "I think it would be worthwhile recommending that they consider at least or two nights of late opening, in the same way that they do with libraries and other facilities, to accommodate those who can't make a 5 o'clock closing time."
Comments
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I'm sure that one or more CEC Cllrs / directors will understand how expensive it is to travel to and fro, Knutsford and Poynton, without restricting time opportunities to act responsibly.
CEC is a proven past master in knowing only too well how to waste public money, now let it show how it can spend wisely for the communal benefit.
With its disastrous track record, this could be mission impossible.
Introducing a charge would only increase flytipping.
Having to travel so far to dispose of items is certainly not green.