Angus recycling centre changes have been binned in favour of a ten-week review of the controversial county skip site proposals in a move branded “irresponsible and hugely self-indulgent”.
In one of its first acts at the helm of the authority, the coalition Angus administration has, at least temporarily, removed the axe from above Monifieth recycling centre and stayed the slashing of opening hours at other facilities.
Council leader Bob Myles said the decision was a direct response to the loudest message on local doorsteps during campaigning for May’s local elections, as voters voiced their unhappiness over the planned shake-up approved last year.
“In the run up to the election the loudest topic was recycling provision and we got many questions and suggestions which I felt required answers and examination,” said Mr Myles.
A member/officer group will scrutinise the current set-up and the planned changes, with a view to bringing a fresh report to full council in early September.
The wide-ranging review could also look at the possibility of a partnership arrangement with Dundee City Council after Monifieth and Sidlaws members bemoaned the lack of local provision.
Councillor Sheila Hands said: “Hopefully we can widen the discussion about sharing services with Dundee, and that would help both the Monifieth side and the Sidlaws side.”
But the £42,000 cost of the review came under attack by SNP group deputy leader Bill Duff, who said: “I don’t think recycling centres are very important.
“We have a lot of capacity to recycle from our houses, we don’t have to make that journey to the recycling centre, which is very ungreen.
“This council is going to have very severe financial problems and re-work is waste. We have no idea where we are going to find the money if we call a halt to this and I think it is hugely self-indulgent. I believe it is irresponsible.”
The effect of the review period will mean:
Monifieth: Deferral of planned closure on July 23. Additional staff and rates costs during 10-week delay period.
Forfar and Kirriemuir: Additional staff costs arising from delaying changes to operating hours. Works to create single site have not been commissioned and no site acquired at this stage.
Brechin and Carnoustie: Additional staff costs from delaying opening hours changes due to commence on July 24.
Arbroath and Montrose: Capital works previously agreed are largely complete. Savings from opening hours changes will be delayed.
