Anger at Bradford Council proposal to shut Queensbury tip

As Bradford Council tries to find £40 million in savings in its budget over the next three years, Queensbury’s Ford Hill site is one of three across the district, including Sugden End at Cross Roads and Golden Butts at Ilkley, that could be closed.

Ford Hill HWRC at Queensbury, which could be closed. (Image: Newsquest)

“I’m quite and appalled to think the Council could just shut it down,” said Barbara Harrison, who lives at Parkside in Queensbury. “If they do it would lead to fly-tipping and the outlying districts of Bradford will end of looking like a rubbish dump.

“It’s absolutely disgusting. It feels like Queensbury is being wiped off the face of the map as far as Bradford are concerned.

“Queensbury covers a big area and the staff there go out of their way to help you. It’s a well-maintained site.

Ford Hill HWRC at Queensbury, which could be closed. (Image: Newsquest)

“I moved to Queensbury in 1976 and it has expanded beyond belief since then. 

“It’s just five minutes from us and we use the site frequently. Where else could we go?

“They’re looking at the extremities of Bradford. I wish they would give Queensbury, Keighley and Ilkley the same consideration.”

A Bradford Council spokesperson said: “Like many other local authorities across the country, the council is under an unprecedented level of financial pressure and needs to make significant cuts into the council’s budget to make it a financially sustainable organisation.

“The Council has just announced £40m of savings over the next three financial years.

“After today's (January 11) Executive meeting a public consultation will be launched on the proposals we have had to make to achieve these savings. Closing three household waste recycling centres is one such proposal. Decisions to consult on cuts like this are not taken lightly and are taken only after very careful consideration.

“The site at Ford Hill, Queensbury, is one of the least used household waste recycling centres, collecting nine per cent of the district’s total waste tonnage.

“We know this will upset local residents. Its inclusion in the list of cuts is not an indication that the council undervalues the facility. On the contrary we know it is a valued service. However, the Council has to consider savings possible across every department.

“We have had an honest and open dialogue with trade unions and with the staff from all three HWRCs which are proposed for closure.

“These savings have to be made to address the significant increases in social care costs. We continue to press the Government to provide more funding and support for these services.”