Lib Dem candidates call for Recycling Centre opening hours to be restored

The Liberal Democrat candidates for York Central and York Outer - Alan Page and Andrew Hollyer - are calling on City of York Council to reverse cuts to the opening hours of the Recycling Centres at Hazel Court and Towthorpe.

The Labour-run council recently decided to close Hazel Court on Wednesdays and cut back on evening opening hours at both the Hazel Court and Towthorpe sites. There was no prior public consultation about the decision and it has been poorly communicated

Now the Lib Dem candidates have launched a petition calling on the council to reopen Hazel Court on Wednesdays and return to the later closing time of 7pm at both sites between April and September.

Alan Page said “This has been a bad decision for the residents of York and a bad decision for our environment. Not only will it potentially lead to less waste being recycled, but as has been widely reported in the media it has added to the volume of traffic in the James Street area at busy times

“Labour in York has a poor record when it comes to recycling. The last time they ran the council they closed the recycling centre on Beckfield Lane in Acomb. Now they are back in power they are reducing opening hours which together with their ‘Green Bin Tax’, demonstrates a lack of ambition when it comes to environmental issues.”

Andrew Hollyer said “Labour in York have been promoting a new transport strategy aimed at reducing vehicle movements and emissions, yet this decision does the exact opposite and increases traffic and congestion at peak times. When Labour’s Green Bin Tax kicks in, the situation is likely to get even worse.

“Residents from across the city and its suburbs and villages rely on being able to use the tip at a time that suits them, and the decision to close at 6pm rather than 7pm makes it much more difficult for people to get there due to early evening work and childcare commitments. Liberal Democrats are committed to developing a joined-up approach to both environment and transport policies that will make the city and surrounding communities better places to live.”

Residents can sign the online petition at www.tinyurl.com/York-Recycling