Recycling centre could close as council looks to cut back on costs

A RECYCLING centre could be closed as part of a package of cashsaving measures to save millions from council budgets.

The closure of the tip in Backwell, Somerset, is just one costsaving measure being put forward by North Somerset Council as it battles to save £10.5 million from its budgets next year.

The move to close the Backwell site would save the cash-strapped authority about £300,000 a year.

Council finance bosses reviewed operations of all its recycling centres as part of its budget setting.

Backwell was chosen due to the fact it opens five, rather than seven, days a week and is close to local homes. If agreed the closure would come into place next year.

The future of the site, which is owned by the authority, has yet to be decided. North Somerset Council executive member for corporate services Councillor Ash Cartman said: “Nothing’s been finalised and any closure of Backwell Recycling Centre would be subject to consultation. We looked at the Backwell site as it’s the least used out of all our recycling centres. Staff at the site would be redeployed.”

Other cost saving moves put forward include increasing the annual green waste collection service charge from £50 to £55. There are also plans to hike fees for using public toilets from 20 to 30 pence.