CONCERNED Dudley councillors raised issues with proposals to close Stourbridge tip and move the operations to Brierley Hill.

Plans to create a new ‘centralised’ waste and recycling centre at the Leys depot in Brockmoor were discussed during the authority’s latest council meeting on Monday evening (February 27).

Under the proposals, if the move goes ahead, the current site in Birmingham Street would be sold off for development.

However, a number of councillors raised concerns regarding the increased levels of traffic which would be created in Brierley Hill by the opening of a new tip, and have urged council officers to look at alternative sites across the borough.

UKIP's group leader, Cllr Paul Brothwood, said: “I have a number of concerns, but the biggest is the traffic problems that already exist there. By moving a recycling centre there it will cause traffic chaos.”

Halesowen North Conservative councillor Karen Shakespeare said: “The people of Halesowen will have great concern that the tip is moving over to Brierley Hill and that the road structure around that site is totally unsuitable to take the amount of traffic that will be required.

“I hope that alterations to road infrastructure around that site will be looked at and other sites in the borough will be considered.”

Cllr Anne Millward, Tory councillor for Gornal, urged the council to carry out a consultation before the proposal becomes a reality.

She said: “This report says that, subject to the planning consent, it will go ahead. It’s not that you’re going to do any consultation, it’s going ahead.

“But I ask that you do carry out a consultation because of the road infrastructure. Trying to get into the middle of Brierley Hill is an absolute nightmare.”

The borough’s Conservative group leader, Cllr Patrick Harley, echoed the thoughts of his fellow council members, adding: “This was brought to cabinet and was done behind closed doors. We did expect then to have more meat on the bones and have more of a consultation, but that hasn’t happened.

“If it is only a proposal then I’m sure we can take on all the concerns of the members of the chamber and before we go too far with this, we should consider the alternative sites.

“Once the traffic impact assessment is done, if it’s not suitable for that site in Brockmoor, then we have other sites that can be used across the borough.”

Cllr Pete Lowe, leader of the council, said he wanted to reassure councillors that there would be a “wide ranging” consultation, taking in the views of “as many people as possible”.

He added: “I’m quite happy to stand up here and say there will be a wide ranging consultation.

“Certainly in its current standing, I’m sure all 72 of us will have issues with regards to the ability of the current road structure.

“But it’s important that each and every one of the members acknowledged the financial straight jacket that all local authorities are in, because when the options are significantly reduced we have to look at the council stock.

“I reassure you that the consultation will be wide.”

Birmingham Street tip is currently open daily between 9am and 5pm.