A former Cheltenham mayor has urged the newly elected Liberal Democrat leadership at Shire Hall to take decisive action and reopen the Swindon Road household recycling centre. The facility was temporarily closed by the Lib Dem-controlled Cheltenham Borough Council on January 10, with hopes that Gloucestershire County Council would take ownership.
Borough officials have said the site requires an investment of around £1 million to comply with updated environmental regulations. Previous Conservative leadership at Shire Hall rejected this funding request, arguing that nearby recycling centres, including Wingmoor Farm in Bishop’s Cleeve, provide sufficient capacity.
The call to action comes after more than 1,400 residents signed a petition spearheaded by Cheltenham’s Lib Dem MP, Max Wilkinson, demanding both councils save the recycling centre. Now, former Cheltenham mayor Wendy Flynn is pressing the new Lib Dem leadership at Shire Hall to commit to reopening the tip with a clear timeline ahead of winter to prevent increased fly-tipping.
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Flynn has written directly to Martin Horwood, newly appointed Lib Dem cabinet member for waste reduction (representing Leckhampton and Warden Hill), imploring him to take immediate steps to restore the service.
“The extended closure has resulted in a surge of fly-tipping, environmental pollution, and social inequality,” Flynn wrote in her letter. “With the Liberal Democrats now controlling both Cheltenham Borough Council (CBC) and Gloucestershire County Council (GCC), there are no more excuses.”
She described how a simple household waste disposal trip has become a burdensome ordeal for many residents. “What used to be a 15-minute, three-mile journey to Swindon Road now involves a 40-minute, 14-mile round trip to Wingmoor Farm. For those without private transport, this is a significant financial and logistical challenge that discourages recycling and harms the environment.”
Flynn highlighted the visible impacts in areas such as Hesters Way, where rubbish piles up in gardens, driveways, and alleyways, undermining community pride and placing additional strain on charities and volunteers supporting vulnerable residents.
“The opportunity is now yours to resolve this issue. While Cheltenham Borough Council closed Swindon Road and asked GCC to take responsibility, the Conservative-led county council declined. But with Liberal Democrat leadership in both councils, political obstacles have been removed.”
She emphasized that this issue transcends party lines, focusing instead on providing essential services to Cheltenham residents. “The question is simple: will your administration act where the Conservatives failed? Will you clean up this mess?”
Cllr Martin Horwood acknowledged the regret surrounding the tip’s closure but indicated that discussions are ongoing. “I have yet to meet with county officials to review all recycling facilities and explore future options,” he said.
“The new Lib Dem leadership at Shire Hall is committed to reducing waste, encouraging reuse, and increasing recycling rates. Though 90% of Cheltenham’s recycling is now collected kerbside, the closure of Swindon Road is keenly felt.”
Horwood noted the financial challenge posed by required upgrades: “Meeting Environment Agency standards could cost over £1 million, plus hundreds of thousands annually in operating expenses. This is a significant financial commitment whether borne by the County or Borough.”
He confirmed plans to consult further with county officers, the Borough Council, and MP Max Wilkinson to chart a sustainable path forward. “We also intend to engage with Gloucester City and other districts to develop county-wide strategies to further reduce waste.”