A motion to oppose the proposed closure of the Lower Compton Recycling Centre was passed unanimously at Calne Town Council last night- 14th January. Proposed by Labour Councillor Celia Stevens, it calls on Wiltshire Council to pause the plans until a suitable local alternative is found and ready for use.
The decision was supported by all councillors present, including Liberal Democrats. An amendment to the motion formally expressed the council’s disappointment over the mayor’s handling of the issue. Calne Town Mayor Ian Thorn is also the Liberal Democrat leader of Wiltshire Council.
The agreed motion states: “Calne Town Council opposes the closure of Lower Compton Recycling Centre until another suitable, and local, site is found and ready for use. Calne Town Council urge Wiltshire Council to continue negotiations with Hills to enable this to happen.”
A further amendment added: “Calne Town Council expresses its disappointment in our mayor’s abject failure to represent the best interests of the residents of Calne in the matter of Lower Compton Recycling Centre.”
Cllr Celia Stevens, who spoke at the meeting, said residents felt let down by the Lib Dem administration. She stressed that recycling is an essential service and part of the infrastructure a town the size of Calne needs. “If it becomes harder to dispose of recyclables, residents may simply add items to their household bins,” she said. A survey of around 1,000 residents showed strong support for keeping the centre open, with many concerned about transparency and consultation. She also warned that longer journeys to alternative sites, combined with a trial booking system, could disadvantage people who work during the week or have smaller homes.
Cllr Stevens added that finding a replacement site is complex, with legal and planning hurdles potentially delaying a new facility for three to four years. “Being able to dispose of waste properly is an essential part of the infrastructure of a town. Calne is growing and residents have the right to have this service nearby. Why should Calne be disadvantaged?”
Deputy Leader of Wiltshire Council, Mel Jacob, attended the meeting. Addressing her presence, Calne Town Councillor Bobby Seymour said: “"I completely agree with the motion put forward by Councillor Stevens, I find it disappointing that a Wiltshire Council representative could have come here and said 'sorry' to the residents but instead you come along and talk down to the people of Calne, you mislead them and make this about political matters - this is about choices made by the people meant to represent us."
Following the meeting, Councillor Seymour said the vote sent a clear message to Wiltshire Council’s Liberal Democrat administration. He also criticised a number of recent county-level decisions, arguing that they had not been set out to voters ahead of the May elections. “This policy, along with the three-weekly bin collections and raising parking charges, did not feature in the Lib Dems’ manifesto in May, so it is no wonder that residents are feeling angry at these moves.”
Cllr Mel Jacob, Deputy Leader said: “I attended the meeting to listen carefully to the concerns raised by residents and Town Councillors. Every point was noted, and where we couldn’t provide answers immediately, we will respond in detail through the Town Council. We understand the strong feelings on this complex and challenging situation and are committed to listening and responding."
The Lower Compton Recycling Centre has been at the centre of a growing row, with residents and councillors warning that its closure would leave Calne without a realistic local alternative. There has been public anger over the proposals, including concerns about longer journeys, fears of an increase in fly-tipping, pressure on neighbouring sites and demands for the plans to be halted until a replacement facility is secured.
Wiltshire Council has previously said it is reviewing its household recycling centre provision as part of wider cost-saving and service reorganisation measures.
Cllr Sam Pearce-Kearney told Calne News: "I’m very grateful to everyone who attended the meeting to share their thoughts. It is so important that the community’s voice is heard on this matter. For those who missed it, there will be a further opportunity to speak at an extraordinary Area Board meeting currently planned to be in the Town Hall on 5th February at 6:30pm. Please come along to share how these changes will affect you."
Wiltshire Council has been contacted for comment.
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