3,105 people back recycling campaign

The Liberal Democrats have handed in a petition to Powys County Council signed by 3,105 people against the closure of either of the two remaining Recycling Centres in Montgomeryshire. 

Powys ends its consultancy period today with one of the proposals including the possible closure of sites in Welshpool and Newtown.

But it has created a huge reaction from local residents who are already up-in-arms over reduced frequency in kerbside collections.

“The response to our petition has been overwhelming,” said Richard Church, Lib Dem candidate in the Welshpool Llanerchyddol by-election.

“People cannot believe that the Council could close recycling centres while at the same time saying they want us to recycle more. 

“Our research has shown that if these closures go ahead then Powys will have the worst provision of recycling centres of any rural council in Wales. People will have further to travel and the remaining recycling centre will struggle to cope with the demand, leading to an increase in flytipping and more waste going to landfill.

“We have had signatures from all over Montgomeryshire, showing that people already travel long distances to get to Welshpool or Newtown. The Independent councillors who run the council should never have considered this option in their consultation.

 Powys Council’s consultation finishes on today.

PICTURE: Richard Church at Powys Council Offices handing in the 3,105 signatures on the Save our Recycling Centres petition.