CONCERN is rising over the future of a recycling centre in Shropshire as councillors push to save it.

The possible closure of the household recycling centre in Craven Arms was raised as part of Shropshire Council's budget process.

Councillor Andy Boddington has vowed to fight to keep the centre open, and said that residents' opposition to the closure was "fierce".

Councillor Boddington said: "Shropshire Council is engaging in a savage cost-cutting exercise reducing services and jobs.

"The reaction the possible closure of the Craven Arms household recycling centre has been fierce.

"The council is to charge for collecting green waste bins. One of my proposals is charge more for green waste collection and use the money to keep recycling centres open. No one wants to pay more but we have to find money somewhere to keep the centre open. 

"Another idea from a Liberal Democrat colleague is to reduce the hours keeping one day a week with opening to 7pm.

"Shropshire Council hasn't thought this through. We are constrained by the council vote on the budget for 2024 and 2025. But there is room for manoeuvre within that budget and we should save Craven Arms household recycling centre."

Commenting on the potential closure online, Elizabeth Davies wrote: "I contacted the council. I pointed out people will be using the black bin to dispose of all sorts of junk. I believe my point fell on deaf ears."

Clive Banner also spoke up, saying "Think of the diesel and petrol that locals will use travelling to distant tips" while Suzie Bouvier said "This requires action on our behalf, the household recycling centre is a necessity."

Shropshire Council recently approved a five per cent council tax rise and a £62 million package of budget cuts.

For the Ludlow precept, there will be a 5.5 per cent increase in council tax, agreed by the town council.

The proposed budget will mean an annual increase in council tax for an average band D property of £13.02 per year, an increase of around 25p per week.

The council has budgeted £240,000 for loan repayments and overheads, while salaries of the council’s 19 staff amount to a further £608,000.

Income from the markets is expected to raise £133,000, by far the biggest earner for council coffers.