Lib Dem anger as Recycling Centre Closures go ahead

The Liberal Democrat Group at Essex County Council has reacted with anger and sadness as their last ditch attempt to save the St. Osyth and High Ongar Recycling sites from closure has been rejected by the ruling Conservatives.

At a meeting of Full Council at County Hall,Chelmsford, [13.12.11] the Lib Dem motion deploring Councillor Bentley's hasty action to close the sites before a scrutiny review to investigate alternatives had even begun, was lost despite attracting support from the two Conservative councillors directly affected.

Commenting after the meeting, Lib Dem County Councillor Mike Mackrory, who moved the motion, said:

"It is deplorable that the Conservative Cabinet Member has totally ignored the wishes of the 5,300 local people who signed the petitions, the local councillors at District, County and Parish level, and the Economic Development, Environment and Highways Policy and Scrutiny Committee, who voted 14 : 1 for the review.

"Once again we see the Tory whips stamping on any dissent from their backbenchers. It is a sad day for local democracy."

Brentwood's Lib Dem County councillors, Barry Aspinell and David Kendall, are severely concerned about the effect this will have on Brentwood's recycling centres in the villages.

Cllr Kendall seconded this motion - you can read his speech here.