Agenda and minutes

Members were invited to declare at this point in the meeting any personal or prejudicial interests they might have in the business on the agenda – that is, the petition and notice of motion relating to the Beckfield Lane Household Recycling Centre.

The following personal interests were declared:

At this point in the meeting, any member of the public who has registered to address the Council on a matter directly relevant to the business on this agenda may do so.  The deadline for registering is 5:00pm on Monday 23 April 2012.

The Lord Mayor reported that two members of the public had registered to speak at the meeting in relation to the Beckfield Lane Household Recycling Centre. Each was invited to speak for three minutes, in accordance with the Council’s Public Participation Scheme.

Peter Ashton spoke as a resident of Beckfield Lane pointing out the volume of signatories of the petition and concerns raised by local residents at the proposed closure of a major local asset. Reference was made to support of immediate neighbours, concerns at possible future fly tipping and the fact that there had been no reported accidents at the site over a thirty year period.  

Reuben Mayne, spoke as lead petitioner and supporter of the campaign to keep the Recycling Centre open. He expressed concern at the effect closure would have on the community and the environment affecting the poorest and disadvantage those without access to a vehicle. With no evidence of on site injuries the health and safety issues raised were not sustainable. If no savings were made following closure this would he felt reflect badly on the authority and he urged members to save the site. 

A         Petition

To debate a petition signed by 2,870 people objecting to the proposed closure of the Beckfield Lane Household Recycling Centre and calling for a replacement facility.

B         Notice of Motion

To consider the notice of motion submitted by Cllr Reid to Council on 29 March 2012 together with the report of the Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods to Cabinet on 3 April 2012 in relation to the proposed closure of the Beckfield Lane Household Recycling Centre.  A copy of the resolution by Cabinet from this meeting, is also attached.

A       Petition

In view of the number of signatories, the petition signed by over 2,870 people, presented at the last Council meeting on 29 March 2012,  was then discussed  by members.

Following discussion, the Lord Mayor confirmed that the petition would be taken into account, during consideration of the next item when Council debated and determined the motion from Councillor Reid about the closure plan for Beckfield Lane.

B       Notice of Motion

It was then moved by Councillor Reid and seconded by Councillor Runciman, that:

“Council notes the significant improvement in the proportion of waste that has been recycled under the previous Liberal Democrat administration, from 12% in 2003 to 45% in 2011.

Council supports the principle that waste collection and recycling should be convenient and fair to residents across the city.

In light of the fact that the Budget 2012/13 has deleted the provision of a Recycling and Reuse Centre in the west of the city, Council requests that the Cabinet halts the closure plan for Beckfield Lane Household Waste Recycling Centre.

Council also supports the principle of the provision of a free receptacle for the collection of waste to all residents across the city requests that the provision of free black bin bags should continue to all areas of the city where wheeled bins are not in use.”

Following lengthy discussion, a named vote was then requested and taken on the motion, with the following result:

The motion was declared LOST by 25 votes to 18 and it was

RESOLVED:       That the above notice of motion not be approved.