St Helens council leader vows to oppose tip visit limits

Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority (MRWA) launched a consultation this week on the future of Household Waste Recycling Centres across the region.

Among the proposals being considered are annual visit limits, a booking system for all visits, restrictions limiting access to Merseyside residents, and requirements for visitors to separate recyclable and non-recyclable waste before arriving.

George Woodward has vowed to oppose proposed restrictions at recycling centres (Image: St Helens Council)

Following the launch of the consultation, Cllr Woodward said his administration was "completely opposed" to the proposals.

In a statement posted on social media, he said: "We shall all be objecting through responding to the consultation, and I encourage every resident to voice their opposition too."

The Reform UK councillor said he feared the changes would create barriers for residents using local recycling centres.

"By introducing these barriers, residents will simply fly tip," he said.

Cllr Woodward also claimed St Helens Borough Council currently has no representation on any committees or working groups within the Merseyside Waste and Recycling Authority.

He said: "Our involvement with the Waste Authority is especially important now, because we would use our voice to steer policy surrounding the detrimental proposals to our tips."

The consultation runs until September 22 and seeks residents' views on the future operation of recycling centres across Merseyside.