Controversial plans to radically remodel Angus recycling will go back under the microscope this week, The Courier can exclusively reveal.
The “extremely difficult” decision to close Monifieth’s recycling centre was made in order to save others across the county last year.
Angus Council plans to shut five centres were rejected in favour of one closure and reduced hours in Brechin and Carnoustie, which were in the crosshairs during the hunt for £250,000 in recycling savings.
Protesters picketed every public meeting of the cash-strapped local authority in the run-up to the decision in May.
But in a motion, seen by The Courier, the new Angus administration will seek full council permission to re-examine the decision taken by the SNP-led council last year.
This will stay the axe over Monifieth on July 23 and the shortening of hours at Carnoustie and Brechin from July 24.
Council leader Bob Myles said: “We felt we can go forward with a member-officer group (MOG) which will reflect a lot of the concerns we are getting at the doors and from constituents.
“Our wish is to do this over the summer and have something ready for the first meeting of council after the recess, on September 7.
“If it delivers a better service and addresses those concerns, we can take things forward.
“We’ve the same resources we did before the change in administration.
“Everyone’s opinion will be taken on board and the opposition will be represented on the MOG.”
The 10 week deferral will cost £33,000 and a future report would deal with the additional cost if changes are made on September 7.
Monifieth will incur extra staff costs and a renewal of access rights for a minimum of six months with the Ministry of Defence. Extra hours at Brechin and Carnoustie would also have to be paid for.
The motion to council on Thursday states: “This council defers implementation of the closures and changes to hours for the recycling centres; establishes a member/officer group of six members (four administration, two non-administration) to review the proposals as contained in report 209/16 and as agreed and amended at the Communities committee; officers bring forward a report on the conclusions of the MOG to the meeting of Angus Council on Sept 7 2017; and notes the financial implications.”
