Recycling fund slammed

£100,000 could have helped save Beal Hey — critics
WASTE bosses have been criticised for spending £100,000 on a community recycling project when they are shutting Beal Hey tip in Shaw.

Lib-Dem councillor Howard Sykes, leader of the opposition on Oldham Council, said that the money being earmarked for the Community Waste Fund would go a long way to saving the popular facility.

The Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority (GMWDA) scheme funds local groups who come up with innovative ways to help residents recycle more.

It funded six projects last year and has been increased this year because it was oversubscribed.

GMWDA is set to close Beal Hey despite protests from residents.

Councillor Sykes branded the decision ludicrous and short-sighted.

He said: “I don’t doubt that there is merit in the Community Waste Fund and I wish those groups bidding for it well.

“However, it does nothing for tens of thousands of residents of Oldham, Shaw, Royton, Crompton and Saddleworth who are going to lose their rubbish and recycling facility at Beal Hey in Shaw.

“The £100,000 for this scheme would go a long way to keep this valuable facility open.”

“The GMWDA is spending considerable time, energy and money on an advertising campaign to encourage community groups to bid for grants to improve recycling when my local community already has a hugely popular and very well-used facility owned by the GMWDA at Beal Hey.”

Councillor Sykes fears that the closure will result in more fly-tipping and added: “Beal Hey ticks all the boxes when it comes to getting the community involved in meeting the recycling target of 50 per cent by 2020.

“It really is time the waste disposal authority proved they are as serious about recycling as the people of Shaw and Crompton are.”