Council 'taken off guard' by tip ban

A Shropshire council only found out some of its residents were banned from using two tips in the county through the press, its deputy leader has said.

Telford and Wrekin Council is stopping people living outside the borough from using its recycling centres, to reduce the financial burden on its residents.

Anyone visiting the Hortonwood or Halesfield recycling centres are now being asked to show proof they live in the borough.

Shropshire Council deputy leader Alex Wagner told Shifnal Town Council's annual meeting his authority was "taken off guard by it like everybody else".

As a result, Shifnal residents who have a TF postcode and live just over three miles (4.8km) from the Halesfield site now face a 23-mile round trip to Bridgnorth.

Carolyn Healy from Telford and Wrekin Council said a review estimated people from outside the borough using its household recycling centres cost the authority about £200,000 a year.

The cabinet member for neighbourhoods, planning and sustainability said the review included the impact of "additional charges for green waste collections introduced by Shropshire Council in 2024".

Discussions with Shropshire Council began in 2024 on the issue, she added.

After talks in recent months, changes were brought in from April to ensure the service continued to operate fairly for "residents who fund it", she said.

Wagner said Shropshire Council was in regular contact with Telford and Wrekin and there was "some give and take".

"We think Telford and Wrekin cost Shropshire about £30,000 or £40,000," he said. "So, there is a gap there."

He gave the example of cleaning up fly-tipping as "one of those things we can never devolve to a town or parish". "So clearly, there's some costs to Shropshire there."

Shropshire Council had a good relationship with its neighbouring authority, he added.

Councillor Paul Williamson, the mayor of Shropshire, said he was hopeful Shropshire Council could "come up with a common sense, practical solution" with Telford and Wrekin.

"If not, I know councillors are keen to explore other options," he stated.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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