Burntwood recycling centre saved from closure

A Staffordshire recycling centre has been saved from closure after local people voiced their concerns.

Burntwood's household waste recycling centre is to remain open following an interim review of waste services in Staffordshire.

Staffordshire County Council is also set to to look at long-term options for retaining all 14 centres in the county.

County councillor Robbie Marshall said the local people had made the strength of their feelings known.

The 13 sites are currently run by contractors Enterprise. One is run by WRG. Both contracts expire in 2013.

'Another look'

The cabinet member for regeneration and infrastructure Mr Marshall added: "We had previously believed that closing the site at Burntwood was justifiable because there were already alternative sites at Lichfield and Cannock that were within reasonable travelling distance.

"Local people made the strength of their feelings known which is why we have taken another look at all aspects of the way we manage our sites."

However, he warned: "People should not view this as a coded message that we intend to close services further down the line."

The future of household waste recycling centres in Staffordshire is to be debated by the council on 14 October.