Sandwich Councillor Dan Friend and Deal Councillor Trevor Bond, with the support of local MPs Deal’s Natalie Elphicke MP, Thanet’s Sir Roger Gale and Craig McKinlay are leading opposition to Kent County Council’s proposal to close local Household Waste Recycling Centres at Richborough and Deal.
The plans, which offer no alternatives to closure of one of the sites, have sparked fury among residents, as both facilities well used and much needed in the community.
Initial options put forward by Kent County Council consulted on the closure of the Richborough Household Waste and Recycling Centre. This has been strongly opposed by the local Conservative leadership team of councillors and MPs. However, this week an updated paper presented to Kent County Council revealed that Deal or Richborough waste sites would be closed, leaving local residents with limited options for responsible waste disposal.
At a council meeting this week, Councillor Trevor Bond argued against any reduction of waste sites in the area. He pointed out that travel to tips further away would result in more traffic pollution with an adverse impact on achieving net-zero objectives. He also pointed out it was wrong to make sudden changes made in the middle of a consultation process. At Wednesday’s meeting, almost half the KCC councillors refused to accept the paper, including Deal Councillor Trevor Bond.
Following the meeting, Cllr Trevor Bond said:
“I was shocked to see Deal waste added to the chopping block. It’s a completely wrong headed decision. It’s wrong for environmental objectives of the council. It’s wrong for local residents too. It won’t save money in reality. It’s also a deeply flawed consultation, changing tack halfway through the process. I’m opposing this at every turn.”
Cllr Dan Friend said:
“Together we are resolute in our efforts to oppose the closure of Richborough and Deal. Effective solutions need to meet the waste management needs of our communities in Deal, Sandwich and affected villages. These proposals don’t do that”
Natalie Elphicke MP said:
“I have long opposed the reduction of local waste services in Dover and Deal. I’ve had countless complaints from residents who find the booking system unhelpful and difficult to navigate. It comes as no surprise that we have seen a surge in fly-tipping. Closing much needed and well used waste and recycling facilities would make the problem immeasurably worse. They should think again.”