Council leader warning that Shropshire Council residents could be charged for using Telford and Wrekin recycling centres
Shropshire Council residents could be charged for using recycling centres in Telford and Wrekin if their own centres are closed as part of budget cuts, the leader of Telford & Wrekin Council has warned.
In an a letter to the leader of Shropshire Council, Councillor Lezley Picton, the leader of Telford & Wrekin Council, Councillor Shaun Davies, set out his concerns.
Whilst Shropshire Council’s proposals are subject to consultation, Councillor Davies noted in particular that the potential closure of Bridgnorth Household Recycling Centre could have a negative impact on centres in Telford & Wrekin, and most notably, on nearby Halesfield Recycling Centre.
Councillor Davies (Labour) said: “I appreciate the financial challenges facing councils across the country and that difficult decisions need to be taken against a backdrop of reduced central Government funding but I cannot allow service cuts for residents of Shropshire Council to have a negative impact in Telford & Wrekin.
“We will respond to Shropshire Council’s consultation on proposed changes to waste management services and if closures of recycling centres go ahead, we will look at all options to mitigate against the impact on our own residents.
“This would include but would not be limited to charging Shropshire residents and businesses for the use of household recycling centres within Telford and Wrekin.”
The public will be able to respond to proposed changes to Shropshire Council’s waste management services when a public consultation launches later this year.
ENDS
You can read the letter in full below:
FAO: Lezley Picton
Leader
Shropshire Council
Via email
4 April 2024
Dear Lezley,
RE: Shropshire Council – Household Recycling Centres
I have read with interest that Shropshire Council proposes to reduce the number of Household Recycling Centre’s from 5 to 3 and introduce a booking system. I understand these proposals are likely to be the subject to consultation however, I am concerned that the potential closure of Bridgnorth Household Recycled Centre could have a negative impact on household recycling centres in Telford and Wrekin – notably Halesfield.
I appreciate the financial challenges currently facing councils across the country and that difficult decisions need to be taken against a backdrop of reduced Central Government funding but I must inform you that Telford & Wrekin Council will monitor progress and respond to the consultation on this proposal and, if it is enacted, will look at all options to mitigate against the impact of the closure of Bridgnorth HRC. This will include but not limited to charging Shropshire residents and businesses for use of household recycling centres within Telford and Wrekin.
I hope that this situation is something that can be avoided and I look forward to hearing from you with an update.
Yours sincerely
Cllr Shaun Davies
Leader- Telford & Wrekin Council
