Photo - Alan Mak MP with Allison Wiltshire
Local MP Alan Mak has thrown his weight behind the campaign to save Hayling Island’s household waste recycling centre (HWRC). Mak is calling on residents to respond to Hampshire County Council’s consultation, and sign the petition launched by Hayling resident Allison Wiltshire which he is also backing.
Hampshire County Council operates a network of 24 household waste recycling centre sites across Hampshire which are open seven days a week, except for Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
Hampshire County Council has launched a formal public consultation asking residents for their input on a range of proposals about the future of all the centres, including changing opening hours and/or the possible closure of some HWRC sites. It is possible that a combination of the proposals, and options within them, will be considered.
Hampshire County Council’s new Cabinet Member for Economy, Transport and Environment, Councillor Rob Humby, will consider the feedback from this consultation and then make a decision in summer 2016.
Mak has worked with Allison Wiltshire to develop an action plan. The MP met a group of 20 residents at his surgery at Hayling Island Community Centre last Friday to discuss the issue, followed by a meeting with Allison Wiltshire.
Mak has also lobbied Cllr Roy Perry, Leader of Hampshire County Council to keep the Hayling facility open, citing the Island’s unique geography, including the time and distance involved in travelling to the next nearest centre in Havant.
Mak has also committed to
· lobbying key decision-makers at Winchester, and will speak to Cllr Rob Humby shortly to make the case for Hayling;
· inviting Humby to visit the Hayling centre with him to see first-hand the vital role the centre plays locally;
· Formally responding to Hampshire County Council’s consultation on behalf of residents; and
· Working with Hayling’s county councillor, Frank Pearce, to keep up the pressure at Winchester.
Mak has also encouraged residents to sign the petition launched by Allison Wiltshire.
Alan Mak MP said, “Whether the Hayling tip stays open is a decision exclusively for Hampshire County Council and Rob Humby. As local MP, I am lobbying the key-decision-makers at Hampshire, working with Hayling councillor Frank Pearce. I strongly encourage residents to respond to Hampshire’s consultation and sign Allison’s petition. I am working hard on this issue, and the more voices and signatures we collect, the stronger our case will be. Let’s hope Hampshire County Council listens to residents.”
Mak added, “Hayling’s unique geography, high usage levels at the tip, and sensitive environment means we must keep the tip open to ensure recycling can continue and fly-tipping and incineration are discouraged. The consultation closes on 25 May, so I encourage residents to respond, and sign Allison’s petition in the meantime. Allison is doing an excellent job organising the petition, and I’m fully behind her efforts.”
Hayling resident Allison Wiltshire, organiser of the petition, says, “I’m delighted local MP Alan Mak is lobbying Hampshire County Council on behalf of residents, and backing my petition. Alan is active across Hayling Island, and I’m glad he contacted me about my petition which I encourage others to sign. The Hayling Tip is an important resource for the community, and Alan’s support as local MP is very encouraging.”
Hampshire County Council’s consultation closes on 25 May 2016.
Residents should respond to Hampshire County Council’s consultation via this link:
http://www3.hants.gov.uk/waste-recycling/recyclingcentres/hwrc2016.htm
Allison Wiltshire’s petition should be signed via this link: https://www.change.org/p/hampshire-county-council-stop-the-closure-of-hayling-island-s-waste-and-recycling-centre