MP's petition for a second tip in Blackpool

Blackpool South MP Scott Benton has launched a petition in order to challenge the council over the issue.

Currently the resort is served by a single household waste and recycling centre on Bristol Avenue in Bispham.

Many residents in the south of the town traditionally used the tip on Everest Road in St Annes, which was operated by Lancashire County Council, until a decision to close it was taken in 2010 as part of cost cutting measures.

Mr Benton said: “This decision by the council has undoubtedly contributed to increased levels of fly-tipping around South Shore over recent years.

“I am starting this petition to ensure Blackpool Council are aware of what a huge priority for the people of Blackpool this is.”

Mr Benton believes having a facility in South Shore would encourage people to recycle more and help keep the streets cleaner.

He said people currently are “faced with a long trip to the north of the town,” to use the tip or have to pay for the council’s collection services to pick up bulky items.

Mr Benton added: “This is completely unacceptable and prevents the improvement of our residential areas in the town.

“Over the last few weeks I have received lots of emails and phone calls in support of reintroducing a waste centre to Blackpool South.”

Lancashire County Council predicted it would save around £1m a year when it decided to close a number of tips around the county, including the one in St Annes.

At the time, County Hall chiefs said it was not necessary to have as many tips because people were able to use kerbside collections for recycling, and it was not inconvenient to drive a few additional miles if they did need to visit a household waste centre.

People can find the petition at https://www.scottbenton.org.uk/sign-my-petition-recycling-centre-south-shore