‘Appalled’ residents oppose tip closures
AROUND 100 ‘horrified’ people showed they will battle to prevent the mothballing of Bollington and Poynton tips at a heated meeting.
Many said they would even pay additional charge to for the Cheshire East Council service and talks with its leader Sam Corcoran were demanded.
The meeting took place at Prestbury Garden Centre and was organised by its owner Chris Wellavize but campaigners have little time on their side.
The two household waste recycling centres – along with one at Nantwich – are set to temporarily close on April 1 before a decision on their long-term future later this year.
It is part of council cost cutting measures and has sparked an outcry from residents as well as an online petition opposing the move signed by more than 6,600 people.
Chris, who intends to stand as an independent candidate for Macclesfield in the next general election, said the meeting included heated exchanges between councillors, who also attended.
He said: “The feeling expressed by those attending that the whole community was in favour of keeping the sites open and were appalled at the prospect of them closing.
“The majority said they were essential worked brilliantly at encouraging recycling and were very well-used.
“They were horrified at the thought of battling through traffic and queuing at the South Macclesfield site a (for example) 28-mile round trip from Disley.
“A successful meeting with Mr Corcoran is the immediate objective and as our case is so strong we have to believe that sense will prevail and the decision to close will be suspended.”
Fears should the sites shut included more fly-tipping and a decrease in recycling – especially with the a charge now levied for the emptying of green bins in
Cheshire East. From those attending who filled in questionnaires, 56 said they would be prepared to either pay a fee to use the tips or contribute to a fund to keep them open, 24 were not.
Other ideas to keep the centres open were through a community trust, part time under the control of town councils and with a subscription charge.
Among Cheshire East councillors to attend was Ken Edwards, member for Bollington, and Poynton member Mike Sewell.
The former agreed to try and help arrange a meeting with Coun Corcoran.
Poynton Town Council has also expressed its opposition to the closures.
Councillor Mick Warren, chair of the environment and communities committee, said: “The council agreed a budget for 2024/25 which will protect vital services and focus council funds on providing support where it will make the most difference.
“As part of the budget, a proposal for the emergency reduction of household waste recycling centres (HWRCs). Four core sites will remain open - Alsager, Crewe, Macclesfield and Knutsford.
“As a mitigation, we are proposing to introduce, on a trial basis, a mobile household waste recycling provision in those towns.
“Alongside the emergency closures, we continue to review the provision of HWRCs in the borough, as we seek to deliver a service that enables residents to recycle and dispose of waste responsibly but is within the limits of what is possible financially over the coming years.
“A final recommendation for the permanent provision of HWRC services is expected to be presented to the environment and communities committee in autumn this year.
“This will be informed by the outcomes of a public consultation.”