Herts waste recycling centre consultation to end shortly

Hertfordshire County Council has announced that the consultation on suggested changes for the 17 household waste recycling centres in the county ends on August 3. A new company, AmeyCespa, has been appointed to run Hertfordshire’s centres, which are currently run by external contractors. They have been asked to put forward suggestions to improve efficiency and save money, while improving rates of refuse and recycling and maintaining a reliable service for residents. Terry Douris, Cabinet Member for Waste Management, said; “We recognise that some of the service changes suggested by AmeyCespa may have an impact on our residents and want their views on their proposals. No decisions have been made yet so it is vital that they let us know what you think of the suggestions. “We want views on the following proposals permanently closing the household waste recycling centres at Hoddesdon and Elstree, changing the remaining 15 sites from a seven day service to a five day service, with the introduction of weekday closures and changing opening times, with all sites opening from 8am to 4pm all year (except Buntingford, which will retain the existing three hours per day service).” Terry added: “Over the last four years, we have worked hard to deliver savings totalling £149m across the council while protecting essential frontline services. Due to further reductions in national funding and increasing demand for key services such as adult social care and children’s services, the county council needs to make similar savings over the next four years. If agreed, the changes suggested to our centres could mean that the service saves £6m over the next eight years. “We’re aware that questions have already been raised about matters like summer opening hours, the convenience of using another centre if your closest one is closed and fly tipping. The impact of the suggested changes has been considered and this information is available in the frequently asked questions section on our website www.hertsdirect.org/wastechanges.” The results of the consultation will be presented to the Highways and Waste Management Panel on  September 18 and then Cabinet will decide, having considered the responses to the consultation, whether to approve the suggested changes. What do you make of the closure proposals? Email nicholas@mynewsmag.co.uk