Recycling centre decisions “an attack on democracy” say Conservatives
Centres in Purton and Lower Compton are set to close next year on cost grounds
A decision to close two recycling centres in Wiltshire without public consultation – and then block further scrutiny on the matter – is “an attack on democracy” and could end up in court, according to Conservatives on Wiltshire Council.
Last Tuesday (December 9) the Liberal Democrat-led cabinet voted to close recycling centres at Purton and at Lower Compton, near Calne.
They said the decision was being taken because private company Hills Waste Services, which operates the two facilities on behalf of Wiltshire Council, was asking an “unjustifiable” amount to money to renew the contract.
Originally, the cabinet was being asked to seek an extension to the contract, which expires on July 31 next year, while it consulted the public on the matter.
But after going into a private session – from which the press and public were excluded – the motion was amended to seek an immediate exit from the contract when it expires next summer.
On Friday, opposition Conservatives sought to “call in” the decision – asking for the council’s overview and scrutiny committee to examine the decision.
They said the decision was “unconstitutional” as it was not put before the public at Area Boards before a final decision was made.
But today (Monday) the Tories said their attempt had been blocked – and could now be heading to the High Court.
Cllr Allison Bucknell, the Conservative councillor for Lyneham who made the call-in request with the support of the required nine colleagues, said: “The Liberal Democrat administration has deceived residents in the north of the county, along with their own backbenchers, by changing a proposal to extend two HRC contracts at the very last moment, instead deciding to vote to close the HRCs in Compton Bassett and Purton.
“This breaches the council’s own constitution and will now be the subject of a challenge from angry councillors.
“Regrettably, in a move that has shocked councillors and residents, the council has blocked the call-in and refused for the matter to be scrutinised further.”
“The decision to close two HRCs without consultation with residents or the Area Boards is a clear reflection of Lib Dem arrogance.
“However, the blocking of our constitutional right to ask for additional scrutiny of the decision is an attack on democracy.
“There is no justification for this action, and it has left residents and councillors from all parties with no option but to seek a Judicial Review of this cabinet’s decision.”
Meanwhile, Reform UK said described the decision as “forcing through damaging changes to waste services that residents neither want nor voted for.”
“This is a council that simply does not understand the people it is supposed to serve,” said Reform UK group leader Ed Rimmer.
“No serious organisation cuts the quality of its service while preparing people for higher bills – but that is exactly what the Liberal Democrats are doing.
“Neither the move to three-weekly bin collections nor the introduction of an HRC booking system appeared anywhere in the Liberal Democrat manifesto. Neither policy was put to voters. Neither has been properly consulted on.
“This is not what people voted for in May. The reason there’s been no consultation is obvious – the Liberal Democrats know these ideas would be overwhelmingly rejected. So instead, they are simply pushing them through anyway,” said Cllr Rimmer.
“This council is out of touch, out of ideas and heading in the wrong direction. Wiltshire residents deserve far better than this.”