Farron puts recycling centre case to parliament

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has highlighted the "completely daft and financially stupid" plans to close Cumbrian recycling centres on the national stage today in Parliament.

Questioning Environment minister Richard Benyon, Tim voiced concerns about the Cumbria County Council proposals to shut five Household Waste Recycling Centres serving a wide area in South Cumbria, arguing that they will increase the amount of waste that goes to landfill and cost the council more in the long run.

The minister was sympathetic to Tim's concerns. The Council plans to close centres such as those at Grange and Ambleside which Tim believes will lead to greater amounts of waste going to landfill. This would cost council tax payers even more because they would then have to pay an increased landfill tax!

Currently, the only plans the County has is for a mobile service - which could visit as little as three times a year - to replace centres at Millon, Brampton, Kirkby Stephen, Wigton, while residents in Frizington would have to make a 40 minute round trip to a centre in Lillyhall.

Commenting, Tim said: "I urge the Council to repeal its ridiculous plans. Unless they do, the flawed thinking behind these proposals could end up seriously damaging the environment, the Council's coffers and local people's services. I am glad that the minister understands my concerns that the Council needs to compensate for the loss of these centres - but the question remains: why close them in the first place? Local people have stated their case clearly. These centres are used, valued and important - something the Council doesn't seem to realise."