The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Plea for rethink over closure of recycling centre.
Working group examines plans
A plea has been made to Angus councillors over the future of a recycling centre.
The council announced a pause in its overhaul of facilities across the area, with the creation of a working group to look at potential changes.
The Courier previously revealed how Angus Council’s new administration planned to delay this month’s closure of Monifieth recycling centre and the reduction of opening hours at Brechin and Carnoustie skips.
A group has now visited each skip before making plans on how to save almost £250,000 a year.
Their findings will be made public in September.
Scottish Conservative MSP Bill Bowman has written to members asking for a rethink on Monifieth.
He said: “People living in Monifieth are paying higher rates of council tax than any other part of Angus, yet they face losing an important local service under these plans.
“This was an issue that was raised during the local election campaign, not just in Monifieth, but in many other parts of the county.”
Figures show that Monifieth and District ward has the highest volume of properties paying Band E-H rates in Angus.
In his letter to council leader Bob Myles he says: “I know there are concerns amongst constituents across Angus about local recycling facilities, but I write with particular concern about the planned closure of the Monifieth recycling centre.
“Following the Scottish Government’s rebanding of council tax and the 3% increase across Angus, it has been brought to my attention residents in Monifieth face paying some of the largest increases in council tax anywhere in Angus.”
He continues: “Monifieth would be faced with a ‘double whammy’ – an increase in council tax and a reduction in services.
“At a time when we are expecting people to increase their level of recycling and relying on local people to help Angus hit even more ambitious recycling targets, it seems counterproductive to close this facility.
“Has the added cost of clean-up for flytipping been properly included in this decision?
“If this facility closes will we face increased incidences of this crime, costing the council thousands in cleanup costs and damaging our local environment.
“I do hope you can consider moves to save this recycling facility, and I hope you may pass on my concerns and the concerns of local residents to the rest of the members and officers group.”
People living in Monifieth are paying higher rates of council tax than any other part of Angus, yet they face losing an important local service under these plans. BILL BOWMAN MSP