Lib Dems oppose plan to reduce opening hours and charge for waste at North Somerset’s recycling centres

Liberal Democrat councillors on North Somerset Council have warned that plans by the Conservative-run authority to reduce opening hours and introduce charges for so-called DIY waste will make life more difficult for local residents and discourage the responsible disposal of rubbish.

North Somerset Council has approved plans to consult on options to save up to £250,000 from its waste budget by reducing opening hours at the districts recycling centres and by introducing a range of charges for DIY waste, including soil, rubble, plasterboard, windows and doors, car tyres and used gas bottles.

Neighbouring Somerset County Council, also Conservative-run, introduced charges over the last few years which see residents charged £3.60 upwards per bag or item.

Councillor Mike Bell, the Leader of the Liberal Democrat opposition group on the council, said: "The Conservative administration seems determined to press ahead with the introduction of these charges and opening hour cuts.

"This will make life more inconvenient and more expensive for residents who already pay for waste and recycling collections and the operation of the recycling centres through their council tax.

"Worse, as was seen in Somerset, the introduction of charges can lead to an increase in fly-tipping and a reduction in the amount of recycling as people become increasingly deterred from using the recycling centres. It sends completely the wrong message."

Councillor Mark Canniford, the Lib Dem Deputy Leader, added: "These proposals would save £250,000 in the budget, much of which would be wiped out by the increased costs of dealing with fly-tipping or higher landfill costs as more and more people would use their non-recycling bin collection service as a way to dispose of these items.

"The council should abandon these proposals immediately and not waste time running a consultation on what will be an unpopular and counterproductive measure."