I will never apologise for recycling centre decision, says council leader
Cllr Ian Thorn insists he had the financial sustainability of the authority in mind when making the decisions
The leader of Wiltshire Council has said he will “never apologise” for the shock decision his cabinet took to close two recycling centres in Wiltshire.
In December, the Liberal Democrat-led administration made the decision during a meeting where they were considering the extension of a contract and public consultation over the potential closure of household recycling centres at Purton and Lower Compton, near Calne.
The snap decision caused public outcry and led to an angry public meeting in Royal Wootton Bassett. The administration finally reversed its decision after negotiating a better deal with the operator of the facilities, Hills Waste.
At Tuesday’s budget-setting meeting before the full council and members of the public, Cllr Thorn addressed criticism levelled at him and his administration by opposition councillors and members of the public.
Jaqui Lay, the Wiltshire Councillor for Purton (Conservative) presented a petition of close to 4,000 signatures opposing the closure.
“The decision not to close the site temporarily is welcomed, but the original decision was badly made with no consultation, warning, or a plan to replace the sites,” said Cllr Lay.
“I hope this council has learned from this error and does not repeat this mistake again.”
Responding, Cllr Thorn said: “This council faces enormous challenges in terms of balancing the budget. We took a decision based on the best probability of ensuring the financial stability of this council.
“I’m never going to apologise for that, but I do understand the concern and worry that’s been caused.”
“We’ve made an absolute commitment that neither Purton nor Lower Compton will close until the new state-of-the-art facility opens in the north of the county.”
He said that the amount of money being asked by Hills Waste to renew the contract – previously confirmed as being close to £1 million – was “indefensible.” And he revealed for the first time that Hills wanted to lock the council into an eight-year contract.
“We aren’t going to be an easy touch for any provider, whatever they are providing, and that includes Hills,” said Cllr Thorn.
“I don’t mind being attacked by residents, because I understand they are concerned and worried and that recycling centres are a critical part of their lives.
“But if I’m pushed into a corner, I will do what I have to do to maintain the financial viability of this council.”
Later in the meeting, he revealed “One of our councillors pointed out the other day, ‘Councillor Thorn, you walk around with a target on your back.’
“But that’s part of the responsibility that comes with being the leader of the council, and having to make some very difficult decisions in a very difficult environment.”