Montrose recycling centre safety fears delay reopening

Work expected to take about three weeks to complete

The reopening of Montrose recycling centre has been delayed for three weeks due to safety concerns.

The Broomfield Road recycling centre has been closed since February for refurbishment and was due to reopen last Monday.

However, council officers identified a “number of potential health and safety concerns”.

Improvements at the centre are part of a controversial redesign of Angus services aimed at saving about £250,000.

A council spokeswoman explained: “The Montrose recycling centre has been closed for the last 12 weeks to allow for extensive refurbishment and improvement works to be carried out.

“The site was scheduled to reopen on Monday May 29 but, due to a number of factors outwith our control, the reopening has been delayed.

“Our officers carried out a site inspection on Wednesday afternoon along with our contractor and identified a number of potential health and safety concerns which need to be addressed before the site can reopen,” she said.

“It is expected that due to the nature of the modifications required this will take approximately three weeks. Signs will be put up at the entrance to the site to notify users,” the spokeswoman said.

“This news is disappointing and we would like to assure the public that we are doing everything we can to have the site reopened as soon as possible.

“However, we cannot compromise where safety is concerned, and thank the public for their patience while we work to reopen the site.”

People have been directed to use the recycling centre in Arbroath while the work is completed.

The news was called “frustrating” by Montrose councillor Tommy Stewart, who said he had been inundated with inquiries from residents.

He said: “I have been kept in the loop about the site’s progress. There was an issue with the suppliers of the ramps for pedestrian access. There was a hold-up in getting these.

“It’s frustrating for me and many other people in the town who use the site regularly.

“I’ve been inundated with messages and phone calls regarding this.

“It’s already been closed for quite a long time, especially for people who don’t have a vehicle.

“I’ll be asking officers to keep me updated on the progress.”

Councillor Bill Duff added: “It’s disappointing that Montrose recycling centre will not reopen on schedule.

“However the refurbishment is a significant investment and it must be complete and safe for the public to use.

“The public will need to be a little bit patient or use the excellent facilities in Arbroath in the meantime.”

The public will need to be a little bit patient or use the excellent facilities in Arbroath in the meantime. COUNCILLOR BILL DUFF

Picture: Gareth Jennings. Frustrated: Councillor Tommy Stewart at Montrose recycling centre. The reopening of the facility has been delayed for three weeks due to safety concerns.