THE fight to save a recycling plant at Kirkby Stephen received a boost when a petition against the closures was handed to Cumbria County Council.

More than 600 people living in upper Eden have backed the campaign led by the Upper Eden Community Plan (UECP) and county councillor Peter Thornton.

UECP project officer Libby Bateman was due to present the petition to council leader Eddie Martin this week. She said it sent a strong message to the council that the facility was well used and vital to the community. “People are united in their quest to save this facility,” she said. “If the site were to close then residents would have to undertake a 60-mile round trip to the next nearest facility at Flusco.

“Realistically this is not going to happen and there is a great fear that fly tipping will increase and greater pressure will be put on the domestic waste collection that is run by Eden District Council. We are keen to engage further with Cumbria County Council, following the consultation to explore alternative proposals which will preserve this facility in our town.”

Mrs Bateman and Coun Thornton have also been working with Eden District Council to raise concerns that proposals to close the tip have not been thoroughly scrutinised by the Cumbria Strategic Waste Partnership. Residents have until February 19 to complete their consultation response form which can be completed online or by filling in the form in the back of the official consultation document.

Consultation forms are available at Kirkby Stephen Local Links, Halls News Agents, Earnshaws Newsagents, Enhance Hairdressers, Ravenstonedale Shop, The Kings Head in Ravenstonedale and Brough Shop. Response forms can be returned to Kirbky Stephen Local Links centre or posted directly to Cumbria County Council.

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