News that an urgent review is to take place into the opening times and restrictions imposed on access to Powys recycling centres has been welcomed by Montgomeryshire Assembly Member, Russell George.
The review, which was announced by the new Cabinet Member for Waste, Phyl Davies, follows concerns at the recently introduced cut to opening hours from seven days a week to just three and only one of these is at the weekend.
The review, which will also reconsider restrictions on vans and trailers at the sites, will include recycling centres at Newtown, Welshpool and other sites in Powys.
Commenting, Mr George said:
"I'm delighted that an urgent review will take place. Restrictions imposed on access to recycling centres in Newtown and Welshpool have been unfair and wrong. I have always felt that it was unacceptable for sites in Newtown or Welshpool to operate for just a few days a week. Both sites are very well used and this decision was a backward step which could have an adverse impact on our environment and recycling rates if it is not reversed.
"I had over 5000 residents take part in my own recycling survey earlier this year and there was an overwhelming view that the decision to limit the days in which Potters recycling sites are open should be reversed.
"Conservative candidates in the recent council elections also campaigned for a reversal of the changes to recycling services and I'm therefore delighted that Councillor Phyl Davies has made the decision to conduct an urgent review as one of his first decisions as he takes on his new cabinet responsibilities."
In a Powys County Council announcement, Cllr. Phyl Davies said:
“I have called for a very urgent review of the impact of the changes introduced at the county’s household waste and recycling centres. We will also look again at the vehicle restrictions that were introduced at the same time.
“Powys is committed to reducing waste and increasing recycling rates but the recent changes have sent out mixed messages and we need to reassure the public. The changes have attracted considerable comment and were the centre of public concern during the council election campaign.
“It was always the council’s intention to review the impact of the changes but I have asked for that work to take place as a matter of urgency."