County Councillor Dave Wilcox has urged Derbyshire County Council to act swiftly to find a more local alternative to the recently closed Brookfield refuse recycling plant off the A57 in Glossop.
Soon after the announcement that a 7.5 ton weight restriction was to be placed on the bridge approaching the site, Cllr. Wilcox said that there was already evidence of fly tipping.
"On Saturday morning, which was admittedly sunny, there were many cars and vehicles with trailers arriving at the site. Drivers were at a loss to know what to do. A notice suggesting that people trying to recycle should travel to Waterswallows in Buxton was met with ridicule."
"In good conditions, a return journey to Buxton would take more than an hour. With the closure of the rail bridge in Chinley, the journey time would be extended for at least another half hour and the round trip would be approaching 40 miles. That cannot be a serious alternative."
Councillor Wilcox says that he has already provided details of some alternative sites in the Glossopdale area and urged that the County Council enters discussions with Tameside for use of closer facilities.
"It is unfortunate that the bridge has been found to be faulty. There are potentially serious questions about its repair which could mean we are in for a long term problem. In my view there must be an alternative site identified as soon as possible."
"The County Council has a window of opportunity before many people start clearing up after winter and the gardening season gets in to full swing. But the people of Glossopdale will expect to be able to dispose of unwanted rubbish reasonably close to home."
"When I visited the site on Saturday evening there was evidence that people were starting to stack material outside the site. They had done so neatly and carefully which I think reflects that they are people with a strong sense of citizenship. Many of them would not even know where the alternative site in Buxton is located, never mind consider travelling that sort of distance."
High Peak Councillor Anthony McKeown is also urging the Borough Council to work closely with the County Council in identifying suitable sites.
"The more people involved in the efforts to find a local temporary solution, the better will be the chance of a successful outcome." he said.