Somerset MP Ian Liddell-Grainger says he is hopeful last-ditch discussions may yet save two recycling centres in his Bridgwater and West Somerset constituency.
Somerset Council has announced the closure of the centres in Williton and Dulverton - as well as three others in the county - as it heads for a financial crisis.
But Mr Liddell-Grainger said discussions with the sites’ operator may yet result in a way being found to keep them open.
“Losing either of these centres would be a huge blow to hundreds of local families who would then face lengthy journeys to alternative disposal sites,” he said.
“At a time when we are supposed to be minimising car travel and recycling as much as we can this is going in completely the wrong direction.”
Mr Liddell-Grainger has met council leader Bill Revans and senior officials to discuss the possible closures. He said the authority was doing its utmost to avoid the closures.
“I have nothing but praise for the council’s approach: it is going to have to make some pretty horrible decisions in an attempt to avoid going bankrupt.
“When hundreds of jobs are likely to be lost the fate of recycling centres may seem like a minor issue. But the council is taking it very seriously indeed and my hope is that after meeting with the operators some solution may be agreed on.”
Photo: Dulverton Waste Recycling Centre. (Google Maps)
