Tip campaigner warns of bin collection problems

A Glossop campaigner fighting plans to close the town’s household waste and recycling centre has warned residents they could face problems with their bin collections if they follow advice contained in Derbyshire County Council’s consultation.

Colin Cram has been carrying out his own research into the proposed closure of Glossop Household Waste Recycling Centre and has obtained information from High Peak Borough Council through a Freedom of Information request.

He claims there is a contradiction between information provided by Derbyshire County Council (DCC) during its consultation and the position of High Peak Borough Council (HPBC).

According to Colin, DCC’s consultation document suggested that some waste currently taken to the Glossop tip could instead be put out at the kerbside for collection by High Peak Borough Council. However, HPBC told him this is not the case.

In its response to Colin’s FOI request, the council said: “High Peak Borough Council is opposing the closure of the Household Waste & Recycling Centre in Glossop. This facility is owned and managed by Derbyshire County Council.

“High Peak Borough Council will only collect the waste streams which are permissible at present through the three bins we operate. There are no plans to change this and all other waste which is either included in these bins or left as side waste would be seen as contamination and your collection would be locked out.

“Furthermore, continued contamination of your waste collection runs the risk that your bins will be removed.”

The council also said it was “equally disappointed” about the potential closure of Glossop tip and had made its views clear in its response to DCC’s consultation.

Colin said the response raises serious questions about the information provided to Glossop residents during the consultation: “In other words, if anyone does what Derbyshire County Council suggests, they could lose their bin collection altogether” he said.

“It is inconceivable that Derbyshire County Council was unaware of High Peak Borough Council’s views when it produced the consultation document. Can any of the ‘information provided by DCC for the consultation be believed?”

Colin has been campaigning against the proposed closure and says he is determined to ensure Glossop residents have access to accurate information about the plans.

“The consultation was intended to ‘go through the motions’ - which might explain why so much incorrect information was provided" he said.

“Derbyshire County Council has underestimated Glossop residents.”

He is now calling on DCC to abandon the proposed closure and concentrate its resources on providing public services.