Public opposition is brewing over Angus Council plans to save money by merging two recycling centres.
These would see the Forfar and Kirriemuir dumps replaced by a single site between the towns at Padanaram.
While stressing that no decision has been made, the authority admits it has no cash to sustain centres in all seven burghs.
The application in principle, lodged by the council with its own planning department, is for land on the A926, east of Dragon Hall Farm.
As of last night, more than 30 Padanaram residents had sent in objections to the outline plans, which would see the Bellies Brae and Queenswell Road centres close in Kirriemuir and Forfar respectively.
Kirriemuir Community Council is considering its response and resident Eleanor Feltham told The Courier that the lack of a Forfar group would make it hard for people to make their feelings known, but they would “fight it all the way”.
Frank Morrison said he moved from Dundee for a peaceful rural retirement but was shocked to find how much high-speed traffic flouted the 30mph limit by his house.
“I think this would only get worse if this comes in,” he said. “None of us were asked and we are the ones who will suffer.”
Part of the plan involves widening the A926 to allow for turning traffic, taking in land owned by Jim Milne, who says he has not been approached.
A report is expected before councillors by March 10.
An Angus Council spokesman said: “A number of options were explored in relation to our continued service provision, which have now contributed to the outline planning report.
“Local elected members and staff have been informed of the possible changes in service delivery but it is important to stress that no decision has been taken.
“However, we face unprecedented budget cuts, even tighter now than first anticipated, and we must take tough decisions in meeting savings and efficiencies.
“The reality of that is that we must look again at how we provide our services while continuing to provide best value.”