FURTHER cuts are proposed to Surrey’s community recycling centres (CRC) to save up to £2 million, in a move condemned by opposition Lib Dem councillors as “a green light for fly-tipping”.

The county council is aiming to save more than £100m this year and residents are being asked for their views on closing four smaller CRCs, closing CRCs on two weekdays, ending the free daily allowance of construction waste and ensuring CRCs are used only by Surrey residents.

Savings have already been made by reducing opening days and hours, opening re-use shops at larger sites and introducing charges for larger amounts of non-household waste.

Surrey’s proposals have gone out to consultation until August 7, and responses will be taken into account when the final plans are agreed this autumn.

Mike Goodman, Surrey’s cabinet member for environment and planning, said: “We face very tough decisions and we very much regret having to make these proposals but we have to save more than £100m this year alone, including £2m from community recycling centres, to deal with rising demand for things like children’s services, adult social care and school places.

“Despite that, our proposals would mean there would still be a comprehensive network of CRCs across the county and we will also continue our work to tackle fly-tipping which has dropped by more than 1,000 tonnes over the past year.”

Lib Dem county councillors objected to the plans to axe four CRCs across the county, as well as the introduction last year of charges to use CRCs, despite widespread opposition.

Stephen Cooksey, Lib Dem spokesperson for environment and highways, said: “These proposals are a green light for fly-tipping in Surrey.

“The Conservatives at County Hall are making it harder and harder for people to do the right thing and dispose of their waste responsibly.

“The environmental consequence of discouraging the use of CRCs would be very significant.

“Furthermore, these plans are being pushed by the Conservatives because of the financial crisis at County Hall caused by their failure to persuade their Conservative central government to provide a better funding settlement.

“Last time the county council consulted on charges and reduced hours for CRCs, residents told them loud and clear that they did not want them. The Conservatives then ignored them and introduced charges anyway.

“I fear that this is a similar meaningless consultation. I am totally opposed to these planned closures and urge residents to make their voices heard to tell this out of touch and arrogant county council exactly what they think of their proposals.”

To contribute to the consultation, visit the website www.surreysays.co.uk