A PETITION has been launched to keep the Prudhoe recycling centre open seven days a week.

It comes after Northumberland County Council has announced the tip will only operate four days a week from May.

The petition has been launched by newly elected West Wylam ward councillor Paddy O'Kelly and calls on the authority to reverse its decision - labelled "ill-conceived" by another councillor.

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Prudhoe North Councillor Angie Scott said: “We need to do our bit for climate change and the residents deserve value for money in the spending of their hard-earned contribution through council tax. 

“What savings will NCC make by their ill-conceived action? One salary and the loss of a local job.

“NCC is having to make swingeing cuts due to its mismanagement of our money in the past.

“The Prudhoe site is well designed and effective with a good rate of waste recycling, coupled with a friendly, helpful and efficient team which is currently a credit for local government.”

There are fears the reduced service will lead to an increase in flytipping, a reduction in recycling and queues and delays at the site.

The site will be open Friday-Monday (including Bank Holidays) from 8am to 6pm from November 1 to March 31. It will then be open until 7.30pm from April 1 to October 31.

A spokeswoman for Northumberland County Council said: "Following a full council budget meeting in February, the council has taken the decision to change the opening times for Household Waste Recovery Centre (HWRC) sites, including Morpeth and Prudhoe, that receive fewer visitors during weekdays.

"These opening times have been successfully operated at five other HWRCs in the county since 2016 without an increase of disruption, queueing or fly tipping. There was no reduction in recycling at these locations and resident satisfaction with the HWRC's service remains high.

“The sites will still provide a comprehensive range of reuse, recycling, composting and disposal services.

“The council is continually reviewing its services to ensure it is providing best value with minimal impact, whilst still providing residents with sufficient opportunity to deliver waste to a conveniently located HWRC. We will continue to monitor the sites closely."