Montgomeryshire AM, Russell George, has said that he had received a huge response to his recycling survey and the decision by the Council’s new cabinet was to be hugely welcomed.
Powys County Council's cabinet has today (Tuesday) approved the revision of opening days of the County’s Recycling facilities to 5 days per week, which would include weekends.
Responding, Mr George said:
“I received an overwhelming response to my recent recycling survey with 5614 people completing it earlier this year.
"Powys County Council took the decision in February to reduce the days which Household Recycling Centres in Newtown and Welshpool are open to just 3 days per week. I believe the decision was wrong, as both sites are very well used and it would be a backward step and have an adverse impact on our environment and recycling rates.
"My survey showed that 99% of respondents opposed further recycling centres closing, and believed that service cuts should be found elsewhere.
"I sent the findings of my survey to Cllr. Phyl Davies, the new Cabinet Member responsible for recycling at Powys County Council. Cllr Davies was elected to the Council in May and is new to this post; he was also part of a Welsh Conservative team of candidates who stood on a manifesto commitment to reverse the earlier decisions and increase the opening times at the ‘Potters’ sites again. I’m therefore pleased with the decision today.
Newtown South County Councillor Neil Morrison said:
“I was delighted when Cllr Phyl Davies was appointed to be the Cabinet member for recycling in May, this meant that the manifesto commitment that I stood on with other Welsh Conservative Councillors to re-open the Potters sites again could be implemented. People need to access the sites and especially at weekends."
Newtown Town Councillor, Rupert Taylor said:
"People had raised with me the ridiculous rules that were introduced earlier this year that some types of vehicles where not permitted into the recycling centres. I very much welcome and am pleased that from the 1st September this year these rules will no longer be in place and that a fair permit scheme will be introduced.”
Llanfyllin County Councillor Peter Lewis said:
“The rules that were introduced earlier this year for some types of vehicles were absurd. It cannot be right that residents are discriminated against for owning a small van for personal use and the change in approach is to be very much welcomed."