Date confirmed for permanent tip closure

A closure date for a Leicestershire waste site has been confirmed, as others are set to have their operating days reduced.

Leicestershire County Council agreed the changes in May, which includes the permanent closure of the Somerby waste site, near Melton Mowbray, from the week beginning 30 September.

Sites in Market Harborough, Shepshed and Kibworth will have different opening days, which also come into force that week.

The changes, which the authority says will save £300,000 a year, were made following two public consultations.

The Market Harborough site will be open three days a week, while Shepshed will be open for two and Kibworth for four.

Sites at Coalville, Lount and Melton Mowbray will be open for the same number of days per week as before, but their opening days will change.

The council said the changes have been made in respone to a budget gap of £85m by 2028, due to "spiralling costs and a growing demand on services".

A spokesperson confirmed the Somerby site is anticipated to be put up for sale later this year.

Blake Pain, cabinet member for the environment, said: “We held two public consultations and listened to what people in the county who use these sites had to say.

"The feedback we received from the public was vital in revising and shaping our final proposals and I’m grateful for everyone’s input.

“Regretfully, we do recognise that the loss of Somerby will have an impact on people who use the site, but Melton Mowbray is an alternative site a relatively short drive away and will be open five days a week.”

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