By David LennardA CAMPAIGN to provide a new household waste site and recycling centre in Halesworth is to be stepped up.For a number of years councillors have been trying to get the facility set up in the town, but without success.

By David Lennard

A CAMPAIGN to provide a new household waste site and recycling centre in Halesworth is to be stepped up.

For a number of years councillors have been trying to get the facility set up in the town, but without success.

Suffolk County Council operate similar schemes in other towns in the area - including Southwold, Beccles and Leiston - and Halesworth residents are keen for one in their community.

Peter Aldous, who represents the Halesworth area on the county council, said the opportunity for a centre to be established in the town was at present “some years down the line”.

He added: “To try and get this much higher up the county council's agenda, we need to get a strong and positive lobby from members of the public.”

Town councillors have offered their support and said people in the area were losing out by not having a waste and recycling centre.

A number of possible locations had been examined over the years, but there was still a possibility the centre could be installed on part of the county council's depot on the Blyth Road industrial estate.

Town councillor Paul Whitlow said: “There can be no doubt that Halesworth will need a waste and recycling centre to help meet the new Government targets on recycling.”

He added the site would provide opportunities for people to dispose safely a range of items including metal and green waste.

“I believe a new centre in Halesworth will quickly pay for itself because it would help reduce illegal fly-tipping,” said Mr Whitlow.

Town councillor Ezra Leverett said a new household waste centre would not only serve residents of Halesworth, but would also be welcomed by those living in nearby villages.

“The Blyth Valley Partnership could become involved and a number of parishes could lobby the county council on this matter,” he added.

Fellow councillor Patricia Flegg said she was convinced the public would support a call for a new household waste site in the area and suggested having petitions in Halesworth shops for people to sign.

A survey will be carried out on the mater and the results sent to Suffolk County Council.

david.lennard@eadt.co.uk