Fears for recycling site future (From St Helens Star)

Fears for Rainford recycling site future

8:00pm Thursday 24th January 2013 in News By St Helens Star newsdesk

VILLAGERS fear they could lose a well-used recycling centre later this year.

Residents in Rainford have contacted the Star after reports that Veolia, which runs the recycling facility, does not intend to renew the lease on the site when it expires in September.

One regular user of the site, Peter Toner, who lives in Higher Lane, said: “The closure of the site, although welcomed by a small minority of nearby people, will leave Rainford and the other districts of North St Helens without a local and convenient recycling point.

“After the closure of this site, residents will have to take a long, inconvenient journey to Newton-le-Willows Household Waste Recycling Centre, Junction Lane, or Ravenhead Household Waste Recycling, Burtonhead Road or Rainhill Household Waste Recycling Centre in Tasker Terrace to dispose of items.”

The Rainford site, which is behind Rainford council offices off Church Road, accepts materials including general waste, car batteries, used engine oil, hardcore and rubble, wood and timber, garden waste, small appliances, televisions and monitors, paper, cardboard plus newspapers and magazines.

Mr Toner added: “Over the past year Veolia have carried out a number of reorganisations, one of which was the closure of the Billinge collection site and the failed attempt to site a major materials sorting plant at Sandwash Close.

“As Veolia is a private company, it initially does not have to inform the council of its intentions, and it seems likely that for the council to appease certain residents close to the Rainford HWRC, it will not resist the closure of the site.

“An alternative location can be made available in Rainford at Lords Fold industrial area, which has the potential to be a more favourable location.”

Cllr Joe DeAsha, chairperson of Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority (MRWA) said: “I am aware of some local speculation about the future of the Rainford Recycling Centre, and can say that no decision about the closure of the site has been made yet.

“MRWA members will consider the situation at their meeting on February 1, when all the factual information will be presented to them, including financial and service information for the site.”

Mr Toner added: “If no action is taken to keep the Rainford site people will only realise what a major time -consuming and costly trek they will have to recycle items, and as Rainford is surrounded by leafy lanes, inevitably fly tipping will become a greater nuisance.”