Tip closure plan is ‘just rubbish’

It means residents will have to travel to Dunstable, Leighton Buzzard or Ampthill and face a 40-mile round trip to get rid of their household rubbish.

Central Beds Council said the redevelopment of the Biggleswade Bells Brook site is a result of the centre reaching its full capacity, although no closure date has been decided. The Centre is expected to re-open in the New Year.

Cllr Brian Spurr, Executive Member for Community Services at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: “Biggleswade HWRC has finally reached its capacity and requires a lot of improvement to provide a range of services that meet the demands of residents.”

Residents have reacted angrily on our Facebook page with many outraged by the decision.

Dave Thompson said: “It will mean most recyclables will go to landfill. Who in their right mind would travel those distances? How about using land opposite the site to set up a temporary centre, otherwise flytipping will increase!”

Donna Marie Carter added: “Definitely needs an upgrade, but I can bet there will be an increase of flytipping, especially at the busiest time of the year. Maybe wait until the quieter months?”

The council told the Biggleswade Chronicle the site was chosen to be revamped this summer (when the weather’s better) due to significant earthworks involved.

When the site re-opens, the centre will be a modern, split level, convenient facility with easy access to the containers.

There will be a new road layout to increase safety and minimise congestion and there will also be enhanced signage and improved lighting, fencing and security (CCTV).

Another angry Facebook user Richard Jones said: “Damned disgusting, let’s see how much fly tipping increases during that period. With a little bit of foresight and planning, I’m sure that other arrangements could be made.”

In response to concerns by residents a council spokesperson said: “Given that the other three HWRCs (Ampthill, Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard) are a bit of a drive from Biggleswade, the council is looking into potential alternative sites which may offer a limited service. If we are able to offer this, details will be widely publicised before the closure.”

The initial advice from the council is to try and wait until the site re-opens if you have rubbish to dispose of. Otherwise you can use sites at Abbey Lane, Ampthill, Frenchs Avenue, Dunstable or Shenley Hill Road, Leighton Buzzard from 9am to 5pm seven days a week.