Council decision to reopen recycling depots ‘responds to needs of our community’

The DUP group leader on Mid and East Antrim council has described the decision to reopen the borough’s recycling centres as “sensible and reasonable”.
Larne recycling centre at Redlands. Picture: Google.Larne recycling centre at Redlands. Picture: Google.
Larne recycling centre at Redlands. Picture: Google.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council will reopen the recycling centres in Larne and Carrickfergus on Monday morning.

The facility at Waveney Road in Ballymena reopened earlier today (Friday).

In a statement, Councillor Gregg McKeen said that the local authority’s decision was “the correct one”.

Cllr Gregg McKeen.Cllr Gregg McKeen.
Cllr Gregg McKeen.

The council announced on Thursday evening that it was opening the gates of three sites in the borough, with strict restrictions in place and public health guidance expected to be adhered to.

Cllr McKeen stated: “This is a sensible and reasonable move. We are responding to the need of our community and ensuring the proper management of our waste.

“A build-up of waste at homes poses fire and health risks. We have also seen a doubling in fly-tipping in our area in recent weeks, which is completely unacceptable.

“Our household recycling centres provide an essential service and we believe our decision is in line with the legislation. This was backed by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland this morning.

“We are working closely with our partners and the police, and the health and safety of our staff and citizens remains our number one priority throughout this time.

People can access these facilities if they are out doing their weekly shop to mitigate any additional travel.

“This morning Ballymena reopened and this has gone very smoothly, and we thank the public for their cooperation.”

The council says that the reopening is intended to facilitate disposal of household waste that has accumulated in recent weeks.

Users are being told to offload their own household waste to ensure social distancing.

Driving licence or photographic proof of address will be required for access. to the centres. No vans or trailers will be permitted.

by Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter

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