Welshpool set for showdown with Powys over tip booking and charges

A team of Welshpool town councillors are to meet with Powys County Council to ask that the controversial new recycling centre booking and charging system be scrapped.

The new system was introduced back in April to save the council an estimated £400,000 over two years, but while the system works well when used, it hasn’t proved popular with tax payers who have been put off using it.

At last night’s Full Council meeting for Welshpool Town Council, Cllr Julie Arnold once again called for a meeting with the regional authority after saying she had been inundated with complaints since the new system had been introduced.

She first raised her concerns back in May and, last night, the council once again supported her call for a showdown with Powys County Council to call for an end to the system which has also introduced charges for DIY waste.

“The councillors fully back me,” said Cllr Arnold. “They are not happy with the system. Hopefully Powys County Council will listen to what I have to say.”

Cllr Richard Church, who is also a Welshpool county councillor, will set up the meeting with the relevant officers at County Hall with Cllr Nick Howells and the Town Clerk, Richard Williams, also saying they will attend.

As part of the changes, new double height recycling skips have been installed with step access provided. Cllr Arnold added that some residents have expressed concerns about access due to lack of mobility and if these skips would be compliant with the Equality Act 2010.