Macclesfield's new MP Tim Roca raises concerns over tip and library changes to Cheshire East
By Alex Greensmith
24th Jul 2024 | Opinion
It feels like every other day that Macclesfield Nub News is reporting on a story on either the changes to our local libraries or tips.
And today, Macclesfield's new MP Tim Roca has published an open letter on both.
The Labour MP, elected on July 5, has used his new parliamentary office to send a letter to Cheshire East Council Chief Executive Rob Polkinghorne.
"I am writing to express the concems of my constituents regarding the recently announced changes to the household waste recycling centres (HWRCs) in Cheshire East, which are set to take effect on 5 August 2024," said Mr Roca.
"Many constituents have raised several serious concems about these proposals, particularly the emergency temporary closure of the Bollington and Poynton HWRCs, and the requirement for pre-booking at the Macclesfield HWRC during weekends and Bank Holidays.
"As you are aware, the announcement earlier this year by Cheshire East Council to close the Poynton and Bollington HWRCs, lead to significant public opposition. Local groups, such as the Save Bollington Tip group. have collected data suggesting that the council's usage figures are incorrect. The concerns about these closures have not diminished, and the current proposal to close these sites temporarily raises similar issues.
"Despite the proposed mobile services, the potential for increased fly-tipping because of these closures and the pre-booking requirement remain a major concern. Indeed the cost of addressing fly-tipping could outweigh the savings these measures aim to achieve, exacerbating the problem rather than alleviating it.
"I appreciate the previous Conservative government's austerity measures have imposed significant financial constraints on Cheshire East Council, taking away over £70 million and contributing to the council finding itself in a difficult financial situation. While I understand the need for essential savings, it is crucial that any changes to services are properly thought through, alternative fully considered, and meet the needs of local residents.
"My understanding is the Council's offer to local town councils to take over the management of the HWRCs was made with an unrealistically short timeframe for them to consider such a significant commitment, and with no real ofter of a dowry or interim support.
"Given these concerns, I respectfully request that Cheshire East Council reconsider the timing and implementation of these changes. Extending the current arrangements until a comprehensive consultation with the affected communities can take place and this would allow for the development of a more feasible plan that addresses the practical challenges identified by residents.
"In addition to the above. I am deeply concerned about any plans to close libraries in Disley and Bollington.
"These libraries serve as vital community hubs, providing essential resources and support to all ages. The loss of these facilities would significantly impact local access to educational and recreational materials, digital services and community events. In a similar vein to the HWRCs, it is not clear to me that sufficient time for exploring alternative options has been provided.
"Finally, many of the council's proposed savings do at first sight appear to be concentrated in the north east of the borough, and particularly in my constituency. This has been a matter again that many residents have raised with me.
"To discuss these issues in more detail, I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you at your earliest convenience. I believe that a collaborative approach will help us find a solution that meets the needs of my constituents while addressing the financial challenges faced by the Council."
The letter follows protests for both causes outside a Cheshire East Council meeting in Macclesfield last week.
Cheshire East Council was contacted by Macclesfield Nub News for comment.
They have no formal statement to make in public in response, however, they can confirm they have replied to the letter.
Macclesfield: You can learn more about the changes HERE and HERE.
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