Surrey Liberal Democrats Take Action Over Tip Closure Proposals
Following the launch of the 'consultation' on the future of Community Recycling Centres in Surrey which proposes the Closure of the Ranmore Road Tip in Dorking and three others in Surrey, the reduction in operating hours at Leatherhead and the other remaining tips and the imposition of further charges, Liberal Democrat Councillors have been working hard to oppose these proposals.
On Monday 10th July, Dorking County Councillor Stephen Cooksey, Liberal Democrat spokesperson on Environment and Infrastructure launched a Surrey-wide petition on behalf of the Liberal Democrat Group opposing the proposals (see http://surreylibdems.org.uk for press release and https://SignMe.org.uk/1376 for petition).
On Tuesday 11th July the County Council approved a resolution supported by County Councillor Cooksey on behalf of the Liberal Democrat Group which regretted the proposals and called on the appropriate Cabinet member 'to work with Boroughs and Districts, Parishes, Joint Waste Solutions and the Surrey Waste Partnership to explore and assess alternatives before any closure plans are finalised.' This opened the way for alternative options to be considered before any final decisions are made.
On the same day, Tuesday July 11th Mole Valley District Council approved a resolution proposed by Councillor Stephen Cooksey on behalf of the Mole Valley Liberal Democrat Group opposing the County's proposal and calling for options to be brought forward as a matter of urgency to retain the Tip at Dorking and reasonable hours at Leatherhead.'
Councillor Cooksey said 'We are working hard at all levels to oppose the proposals for closure and reduced hours brought forward by the Conservative controlled County Council. I would advise all residents to participate in the consultation and sign the petition opposing the proposals. We will continue to press both Councils to look at all possible options for retaining the Dorking CRC and reasonable hours at Leatherhead and do everything that we can to stop these unacceptable proposals being implemented.'