MP hits out at changes to Cheltenham recycling centre opening hours
The council say the changes are to save money
A local MP has hit out at plans to change the opening hours for a Cheltenham recycling centre.
The Swindon Road base will change what times they are open from 1 February. But, Cheltenham MP Alex Chalk says he doesn't understand the changes - arguing the council could have saved money by simply not creating as many Cabinet positions.
Alex says, "They say it's to save about £35,000, but the reason why they're wrong is because there are much better ways to save that money.
"The council has made up front bench positions that takes away money from the frontline, to pay councillors.
"If we are serious about recycling, then cutting opening hours is not the way to proceed."
The council argue that they have monitored usage of the site and results from previous local consultations have resulted in them agreeing new standardised opening times, with no changes depending on what time of year it is.
Cllr Iain Dobie, cabinet member for waste, recycling and street services, says: “We recognise the value of our household recycling centre and we’re proud that we’re the only district council in the county to offer this service to our residents.
“However, due to a reduction in use of the facility during week days, combined with the increasing budget pressures, we have put forward a potential solution to continue this discretionary service by adjusting the daily opening hours, and closing on a Wednesday as this is a quieter day."
The new opening times from 1 February will be:
MONDAY 8.30AM - 4PM
TUESDAY 8.30AM - 4PM
WEDNESDAY CLOSED
THURSDAY 8.30AM - 4PM
FRIDAY 8.30AM - 4PM
SATURDAY 8.30AM - 3PM
SUNDAY 9.00am - 12NOON