The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Tory politicians want ‘superskip’ idea to be consigned to dustbin
Public support urged to stop two towns’ recycling merger
Conservative politicians have started a petition against plans to merge Forfar and Kirriemuir recycling centres into a new site at Padanaram.
Angus MP Kirstene Hair and Forfar councillor Braden Davy will submit the petition to a newly-established group conducting a review into the recycling arrangements in the county.
The recently-elected politicians took to the streets of Forfar to gather names for their petition, which is also available online.
The previous SNP-led Angus Council approved several controversial changes to recycling arrangements, including the closure of the skip at Monifieth and creating a new “superskip” at Padanaram to serve Forfar and Kirriemuir.
One of the first acts of the new coalition was to reexamine the recycling proposals.
The member/officer group will look at the current set-up and the planned changes, with a view to bringing a fresh report to full council in early September.
Mr Davy has been vocal on retaining the Forfar skip, one of the key issues in his election campaign: “The planned closure makes no sense. It’s something I campaigned against and will fight against in the council.
“The new administration’s 10-week delay is welcome but they still must go further and scrap the planned merger.
“It would be costly, lead to a worse service and cause more fly-tipping, as well as blight Padanaram with a huge new superskip.
“I would urge everyone who opposes these plans to sign the petition to send a clear message that it’s time to scrap the closure plans.”
Ms Hair said their message received a positive response from people in Forfar.
She added: “I was delighted to meet so many people who understandably are concerned about the potential loss of recycling facilities.
“I hope that over the coming weeks residents will back this petition to keep these services local. Angus Council needs to hear loud and clear that closure is not an option.”
People can also sign the petition at www.you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/stop-the-planned-closure-of-the-forfarand-kirriemuir-recycling-centres
“The 10-week delay is welcome but they still must go further and scrap the planned merger