Glossop Tip: Last Chance to Have Your Say

Campaigners fighting to keep Glossop Household Waste Recycling Centre open are urging residents to have their say before a Derbyshire County Council public consultation closes at midnight on Thursday 23rd July.

Glossop resident Colin Cram, who has been working alongside fellow campaigner Richard Armitage, has spoken at two public meetings aimed at helping residents understand the proposals and complete the consultation effectively.

In a public letter published in this week's Glossop Chronicle print paper, Colin said more than 6,000 consultation responses had already been submitted, which he described as “by far the biggest response ever to a Derbyshire consultation”.

Colin also highlighted that 100 Freedom of Information requests have been submitted to Derbyshire County Council, something he advised, which he said were aimed at obtaining accurate information about the proposals and the council’s calculations.

He claims the consultation document contains inaccurate information and excludes evidence which could affect the proposed savings figures. He also said campaigners were considering legal action if the council proceeds with the closure.

In his letter he wrote: “Should Derbyshire County Council not back down, we can submit a Pre-Action Protocol letter which will inform the Council that we are prepared to take the closure to Judicial Review. We believe that there is a good chance of winning.

“In the meantime, Derbyshire County Council would have to keep the Glossop HWRC open.”

Campaigners have raised concerns about the council’s assessment of the financial case for closure, including the £360,000 annual contractor charge which the authority says could be saved.

Colin said the calculation did not appear to take into account the cost of transporting and processing Glossop’s waste at another facility, believed to be Waterswallows near Buxton.

He also questioned the £500,000 figure cited in the consultation for upgrading the Glossop site, saying campaigners had not been provided with a breakdown of the costs.

In his letter he states: “Through research and analysis, we have identified some serious errors in the Consultation document and significant omissions. For example, an Equalities Impact Assessment has not been completed. It is supposedly in progress. It should have been included in the Consultation document.”

He also said Derbyshire County Council had begun refusing some Freedom of Information requests and that he had discussed the issue with the Information Commissioner’s Office.

The campaign has received support from Reform County Councillor Jason Isherwood, who represents Etherow and has continually spoken out and voted against his own party’s position on the issue.

Cllr Isherwood has strongly opposed the possible closure since it was announced in January. At the time, he told the Glossop Chronicle:

“I recognise the extremely challenging financial position facing Derbyshire County Council, and I support the principle of delivering genuine value for money across all of our services. However, I have serious concerns about the proposal to close the Glossop Household Waste Recycling Centre and the impact this would have on residents.

“I will continue to engage constructively with Cabinet colleagues and officers, but I will be firmly representing the interests of Glossop residents throughout the consultation process. I would strongly encourage local people to share their views so that the real-world impact on our communities is clearly reflected.”

As the consultation draws to a close, Cllr Isherwood said the responses received had demonstrated the strength of feeling in the community. He told the Chronicle:

“Reform was elected in Derbyshire to get a grip of public money, challenge waste, and make sure services deliver value for residents.

“That means difficult options sometimes have to be examined. But examining an option is not the same as blindly pressing ahead with it.

“The consultation on Glossop Household Waste Recycling Centre has made one thing very clear: local people value this service, and they have raised serious, practical and well-evidenced concerns about the impact of the closure. Over 6000 of you residents have taken part, well done, let’s keep the momentum going, please.

“We have listened and are listening.

“Residents have not simply said “keep everything the same.” They have pointed to better alternatives: stronger residency checks, proper enforcement of the registration scheme, barriers linked to vehicle registration. On 6th July registration enforcement was put in place. Now, if you wish to use the HWRC then you must be registered.

“That is exactly the kind of practical feedback a consultation is meant to produce.

“Our position is now clear: before any closure is considered, Derbyshire County Council must fully test and cost credible alternatives that protect local access while tackling misuse, cost and unfairness.

“Glossop residents should not be punished if the real issue is out-of-county use. The Reform answer should be to fix the problem, not remove the service.

“This is not about ignoring the financial challenge - it is about finding a better, fairer and more practical way to meet it.

“We will continue to scrutinise the evidence, listen to residents, and push for a solution that protects local provision while ensuring Derbyshire council taxpayers get value for money.”

Colin praised Cllr Isherwood for his continued support for the campaign. He told the Chronicle:

“One person who has been and continues to be particularly helpful is Councillor Jason Isherwood. He has put the interests of the Glossop people before his own political party.”

The public consultation closes at midnight on Thursday 23rd July.

Residents who have not yet responded are being urged to take part before the deadline. Paper copies of the consultation are available at Glossop Library, while residents can also take part online at: http://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/.../consu.../consultations.aspx

Campaigners are also continuing to encourage residents to register their vehicles and submit Freedom of Information requests.