Surrey County Council has put forward a recommendation to close the local Community Recycling Centre (CRC) along Swift Lane in Bagshot following a review of operations at the site.
Council staff have based this decision on the condition of the site, which as they state, is difficult to access, unmodernised and too small to be upgraded to a modern split-level site, similar to that of Camberley, so it cannot be made fit for future, in line with the Council’s mid-term Waste Strategy.
It is also cited that this is one of the county's smallest sites for public recycling, as it handles approximately 1,700 tonnes of waste each year, which is the equivalent of 2% of the total waste CRC's process annually.
Members of staff at the site along Swift Lane have also allegedly cited safety concerns, with repeated incidences of anti-social behaviour including, overnight vandalism and fly tipping.
Whilst officers at the Council have made this recommendation, it has not yet been confirmed by the Council's Cabinet. Local residents are therefore being asked on their views on how such a potential closure would impact them, and what alternative service arrangements they would like to see as a replacement.
Commenting, Cllr Richard Tear, Surrey County Councillor for Bagshot, Windlesham and Chobham, said:
"Please have your say. I engaged with officials on your behalf, but in the end was persuaded that the threats received daily by the operatives from visitors trying to dump illegally were such that some action was needed to remove the threat.
"Night incursions for theft and vandalism were also a major factor in the safety of this site."
The Cabinet Member for Property, Waste and Infrastructure, Cllr Natalie Bramhall, said,
“We value the views of our residents and are running this consultation to ensure we can capture their feedback.
“We have a comprehensive network of CRCs across the county and there are four alternative Community Recycling Centres within 10 miles of Bagshot, with the closest being Camberley, approximately six miles away.
"These sites are modern, safe and all on one level, with no need to climb steps to tip waste. These sites allow access to vans and trailers, and accept more types of waste. Some sites offer additional services such as a paint reuse shop at Guildford CRC and a reuse shop at Woking CRC.
“I encourage the local community to share their views which will help inform the Cabinet decision later in 2024.”
You can submit your views through an online survey here. Paper copies of the survey are also available at Bagshot and Camberley CRCs.
The consultation is open from today (Monday 16th September 2024) until Friday 11th October 2024.
Pictured, Swift Lane Community Recycling Centre, Bagshot
