Under the current austerity regime, Oxfordshire County Council has proposed to close four out of the seven existing Recycling Centres (i.e. rubbish tips), which are used by local people for the disposal of large items of household and garden waste, DIY rubble, old fridges and electrical items, etc. One of the tips proposed to be closed is at Standford in the Vale, convenient for residents of the Vale of the White Horse, particularly in Faringdon and Wantage. Following closure of this facility the nearest tips would be either at Standlake or Drayton, which are at considerably further afield.

Being a frequent user of the Stanford tip, I am aware that at weekends there is often a queue of waiting cars, so it's not as if this facility isn't well used. The provision of such facilities, which are paid for from our rates, is essential in such a highly populated area and the ever increasing level of consumption will no doubt increase the amount of items for disposal. It is quite obvious that, if some people find that the nearest tip is too far away, that the incidence of fly tipping of old mattresses, fridges and TVs into hedgerows and field gateways will increase.

The undersigned request that this Recycling Center remain operational so that local people can continue to conveniently dispose of their rubbish for recycling in a suitable manner.