Anger as proposed tip closure could lead to fly-tipping

Bradford Council is undertaking a consultation on the proposed closure of the Royd Ings Avenue household waste centre in the town.

Royd Ings tip in Keighley (Image: Newsquest)

Keighley councillor Zafar Ali (Lab, Keighley Central) said: "Fly-tipping is a huge problem as it is and if the tip is closed down or hours reduced it would exacerbate the problem and lead to a health hazard.

"My fear is that people will be fly-tipping in their gardens and outside of their homes.

"There has been huge anger expressed by residents and therefore Bradford Council should take steps to discuss important issues with district councillors and leaders of the council, as we have been left in the dark to resolve this issue - the sooner the better.

Cllr Zafar Ali (Keighley Central) (Image: Newsquest)

"The facility we have now is very well used by people and the people of Keighley enjoy using this tip and keeping the environment safe.

"This is the only facility left and if it is closed down, there will be nothing left in Keighley.

"Where are we going to go? Not everyone can afford to go a long way.

"As far the Bingley tip is concerned, this is not an ideal alternative.

"The Keighley tip at Royd Ings Avenue is ideally located in the industrial site away from the community and has no traffic issues.

"While access to the Bingley tip is via a single track and on a busy day the queue is so long it causes traffic mayhem and road safety is a major issue which may not be controlled."

A Bradford Council spokesperson said: “Like all local authorities across the country, we are looking at our running costs and how things might run differently to save money in light of the Government’s current financial crisis.

“As a result we have undertaken a review of our household waste reception services on the basis of cost of operation, numbers of visits per day and access to alternative provision.

“On this basis, the Keighley site has been identified and we are currently undertaking a consultation on the proposed closure.

“We do not expect this to have an impact on fly-tipping but will continue to work to prevent and detect unauthorised fly-tipping by commercial companies seeking to avoid disposal charges.

“The council remains committed to ensuring a bright future for Keighley and is investing heavily in the area, for example as part of the Towns Fund initiative, with over £33 million to be invested into the town as a result.”

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