The decision to keep Burntwood’s recycling centre open has been described as a “political u-turn” by a local councillor.
It was confirmed yesterday (October 12) that the planned closure of the site would not go ahead after a review by county councillor Robert Marshall.
However, Lichfield District Councillor Steve Norman (Lab, Summerfield) has said the decision was more about decision makers buckling under public pressure.
He said:
“The news that the Conservatives have backed down on this is great for Burntwood. It is indeed a political u-turn as no report on the review of all the centres has been presented to elected members as required by Cabinet on July 21. Clearly they couldn’t stand the pressure and couldn’t even wait for the debate at full council due on Thursday.
“The site was closed by press release and has now been saved by press release. This is no way to run a democratic organisation and clearly shows that people can save frontline services in Staffordshire if they are willing to act. This is an important lesson to learn when the real cuts start later in the year.”
Despite the victory Cllr Norman has warned that it may not be the last local residents hear of the issue.
Cllr Marshall stated that a wider report was being drawn up on the long-term financial viability of all waste sites across the county. However he added that he was not simply delaying the inevitable. He said:
“People should not view this as a coded message that we intend to close services further down the line. This is a straight message that we intend to protect services which are valued by the taxpayer, but must look at making them financially sustainable in the long-term.”
