Proposals to save £300,000 per year by changing waste sites in Leicestershire will be discussed at the county council’s cabinet meeting.
If approved by Cabinet next Friday (24 May) the following changes to waste site arrangements will take place in the coming months:
- Closing the site in Somerby
- Market Harborough to open three days a week, and Shepshed open two days a week
- Closing all sites on Christmas Eve
- Changing summer opening hours at all recycling and household waste sites
Kibworth will move to being open four days a week as part of the plans to keep Market Harborough open and ensure a seven day a week opening across both sites. Bottesford will remain open three days per week.
If approved, the changes, including the closure of Somerby and the change in opening days is expected to take place this autumn.
All sites will reduce their opening hours during the summer (April-September) from April 2025. They will also be closed on Christmas Eve as usage across Leicestershire is low compared to the rest of the year.
The council has repeatedly highlighted the current financial pressures, including a budget gap of £85m by 2028 due to spiralling costs and a growing demand on services.
Two consultations on waste site proposals have taken place, and feedback from residents has played an important part in modifying the original plans.
During our consultations we listened and then we listened again. The feedback from the public was vital in shaping these final proposals and I’m grateful for everyone’s input.
“These new plans balance the needs of our residents alongside our need to save money. We’re super-efficient but pressures are growing, and the savings made from these plans will help to reduce our budget gap.”
“Regretfully, we do recognise that the loss of Somerby will have an impact on people who use the site, but Melton Mowbray is an alternative site a relatively short drive away and will be open five days a week.
Person:Councillor Blake Pain, cabinet member for the environment and green agenda
The council currently runs 14 waste sites, more than other East Midlands counties, and Somerby costs the council significantly more per visit than the more frequently visited sites.
The savings totalling £300,000 per year have been made with the least impact after listening to resident’s concerns, including the retention of later tipping times on Tuesday to Fridays during the summer months.
The council’s cabinet will discuss the proposals at 11am on 24 May – watch online.