Mansfield and Ashfield readers slam plans for 'supersite’ waste centres
Readers of Mansfield and Ashfield Chad have criticised the approved plans by Nottinghamshire Council to introduce a network of new ‘supersite’ household waste centres to replace the county’s smaller tips.
Nottinghamshire Council has approved plans to bring in a network of new ‘supersite’ household waste centres to replace its smaller tips, some of which, the authority says, have cramped layouts which cause long waits and gridlock on nearby roads.
But this had led to fears that sites like Mansfield, Kirkby and Warsop could be closed.
Newark’s recycling centre is being held up as an example of what other ‘supersites’ could be, with a layout to minimise queuing or congestion on the main road.
But opposition councillors have raised fears that people could have to travel further, potentially discouraging people from recycling.
Coun Neil Clarke (Con), cabinet member for environment and transport, says he believes people will make a longer journey for a better service.
He said: “It’s a good trade-off.
"If they had to travel an extra five minutes, it’s better than spending 10 or 15 minutes queuing at an inefficient site where you can’t get to the skip you want to.”
He added: “Anything that’s efficient and easy to use, surely residents will welcome it.
“We’re looking at all of the sites through Nottinghamshire to see if there’s something to be improved.
“If we need to open any new sites, we can use this as a good example of how an efficient site will work.”
Chad readers have responded to the news, with many not wanting to travel further if smaller tips in the area were closed.
In a comment on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mansfieldchad, Angie Jackson said: “Speaking for myself, I very much do mind.
“People will not travel further, they will simply fly tip, and then the district council will have to clean it up.”
Coun Martin Wright said: “Well said Angie. That is exactly what will happen.
“Then it is the council and the council tax payer that will have to foot the bill of clearing up.”
Andis Senkans Coupe, who runs a litter-picking group in Mansfield Woodhouse, said: “If they close the local tips, fly-tipping will be through the roof.”
Jane Clapperton and Heather Graham both said they would mind having to travel further afield.
What do you think?