Changes to the opening days of some recycling and household waste sites (RHWS) in Leicestershire will come into effect from the first week of October.
The changes, which were agreed by Leicestershire County Council’s Cabinet in May following two public consultations – in which feedback from residents played an important part in modifying the original plans - will save £300,000 per year.
From the week beginning 30 September, the following changes to waste site arrangements will take place:
- Somerby RHWS will close permanently
- Market Harborough RHWS will open three days a week
- Shepshed RHWS will open two days a week
- Kibworth RHWS will open four days a week
The sites at Coalville, Lount and Melton Mowbray will be open for the same number of days per week, but their opening days will change. Visitors to all sites are being urged to check the council’s RHWS website for the updated opening days and times before setting out for a waste site.
All details can be found at www.leicestershire.gov.uk/waste.
The changes to the operation of the recycling and household waste sites have been made in response to the ongoing financial pressures faced by Leicestershire County Council, including a budget gap of £85m by 2028 due to spiralling costs and a growing demand on services.
“The new arrangements for the operation of our recycling and household waste sites balance the needs of our residents alongside our need to save money. The £300,000 per year savings that we can make in this area will help to reduce our budget gap.
“We held two public consultations and listened to what people in the county who use these sites had to say. The feedback we received from the public was vital in revising and shaping our final proposals and I’m grateful for everyone’s input.
“Regretfully, we do recognise that the loss of Somerby will have an impact on people who use the site, but Melton Mowbray is an alternative site a relatively short drive away and will be open five days a week.”
Person:Councillor Blake Pain, cabinet member for the environment and green agenda