Appeal not to close Billingshurst rubbish tip

As part of its battle to close a multi-million pound gap in its budget, the county is considering shutting two of its 11 household waste and recycling sites to save £190,000.

It is also considering reintroducing charges to dispose of DIY waste such as soil and hardcore.

At a meeting of the cabinet, Philip Circus (Con, West Chiltington, Thakeham & Ashington) said the district council would do all it could to persuade the county not to bring back charges and not to close the Billingshurst tip.

He also called for Horsham’s Hop Oast tip to be expanded to cope with demand.

Mr Circus said: “We understand the financial difficulties the county finds itself in but if there was any question of closing the Billingshurst tip – particularly without an expansion of the times, dates and facilities at Hop Oast – would cause a massive problem.

“Particularly given that Horsham is developing faster and to a greater extent than any town in West Sussex.”

Some councillors have already warned that closing tips and reintroducing charges would lead to fly-tipping.

Mr Circus told the meeting that the last time people were told to pay to dump DIY waste, some simply started throwing it away with their household rubbish.

He added: “The fact is if you make it more difficult to get rid of waste you will get more unacceptable removal of waste.”

A final decision on which tips – if any – will close will be made in February.