Plans to close Lower Compton recycling centre sparks backlash in Calne
Councillors rally against Wiltshire Council’s decision to shut local waste facility
Plans to close the Lower Compton Recycling Centre near Calne have led to strong opposition from local councillors and residents.
Following Wiltshire Council’s decision to shut the facility, members of Calne Town Council, including Labour councillors Cllr Celia Stevens and Tara Fisher, Conservative Bobby Seymour, and Reform UK’s Mike Sankey, have tabled a motion opposing the closure.
The motion argues against the loss of the recycling centre until an alternative local site is provided, urging Wiltshire Council to extend negotiations with Hills Waste Solutions to secure a suitable replacement.
Cllr Stevens highlighted the importance of the recycling centre, saying: “Recycling is an essential part of dealing with waste in order to reduce landfill. If it becomes significantly harder to dispose of recyclables residents will, understandably, be likely to just add additional items to their household waste bin.”
She added: “For a town the size of Calne, a recycling centre is part of the necessary infrastructure. Calne residents already do not get a fair share of infrastructure investment from Wiltshire Council and should not have this service removed.”
The next full council meeting is scheduled for 19th January, but the Local Democracy Reporting Service has suggested a debate on the issue may be postponed until after a by-election in Calne on 22nd January.
Discontent and concerns across Wiltshire
The announcement of plans to shut both Lower Compton and Purton recycling centres was made by Wiltshire Council’s Liberal Democrat-led cabinet before Christmas, sparking unease in other Wiltshire communities.
Residents of Royal Wootton Bassett are concerned at the potential development of a replacement facility at the site of Wiltshire Council’s former salt depot, which they say could negatively impact plans for a country park and restoration efforts for the Wilts & Berks Canal. Cabinet members will meet the public at an extraordinary Royal Wootton Bassett and Cricklade Area Board meeting on 20th January to discuss their decision.
Cherhill Parish Council, within whose boundary the Lower Compton site is located, has also voiced objections, describing the proposals as “ill-considered.”
In a statement, councillors said they were “stunned and horrified” to learn of the closure plans and raised concerns over a lack of consultation.
“Cherhill Parish Council has not been consulted at any stage and only learned of inclusion of this matter in the agenda of Wiltshire Cabinet, a few days prior to that meeting, and only then through the local press,” the statement said.
Councillors revealed that attempts to communicate with Wiltshire Council leaders prior to the decision had gone unanswered and accused the cabinet of disregarding democratic processes.
Impact of closures on residents
Should the closures proceed, Calne residents will need to drive to facilities in Stanton St Quintin, near Chippenham, or Devizes to dispose of waste.
Residents in the north of Wiltshire, including those in Royal Wootton Bassett and Cricklade, would also face longer journeys to alternative centres. Suggested replacements in these areas have yet to be confirmed.