Members of Cotswold District Council will be calling on Gloucestershire County Council to re-open Fosse Cross Household Recycling Centre (HRC) on Tuesdays and to return to previous longer opening hours.

Cllr Jenny Forde's motion, seconded by Cllr Nigel Robbins, was backed by a majority of councillors, who agreed that savings arising from the reduced opening times (10am to 4pm until 30th March 2019 and 9 am to 5 pm from 31st March until 26th October 2019) would result in Cotswold District Council having to pay more to clear up anticipated increases in fly tipping and to collect increased amounts of residual waste accumulating at homes.

Speaking after the vote, Cllr Forde said: "I am very pleased that this motion gained cross-party support. We want HRCs to extend their opening hours, so that they can be available at more convenient times. It needs to be as accessible and easy for people as possible. The new closure days were not well publicised and many residents have found the changes have been a problem for them. There feels like an increase in fly tipping too, which costs the taxpayer more to remove and blights our beautiful countryside."

Leader of the Council, Cllr Tony Berry, said: "While we realise their need to trim the budget, we urge Gloucestershire County Council to reconsider this decision for the sake of residents across the Cotswolds and elsewhere in the county."

Fined for dumping waste

A local woman has paid the price for dumping waste outside the main gates of the Fosse Cross Recycling Centre.

A witness reported the offence which occurred when the site was closed following the revision to operating hours. Subsequently, a Cotswold District Council environmental warden issued a £400 fixed penalty fine which was reduced to £200 because the woman paid in full within ten days.

Cllr Sue Coakley, cabinet member for Environment at CDC, said: "I realise that this resident came to the recycling site with the intention of disposing of her waste legally, but there is no excuse for her - or anyone else - to just dump items outside when the gates are closed. Fly tipping is a crime and we will always take action when we track down offenders.

"There are good arrangements in place for everyone to dispose of their waste in accordance with the law, so there is absolutely no reason for fly tipping. We will continue to use every means at our disposal to reduce the number of incidents in the Cotswolds, and we're always grateful for tip-offs from the public who can call us directly on 01285 623123 to report any suspicious activity."