A CONSULTATION has been launched into the future of recycling disposal banks in Ludlow and south Shropshire.

Shropshire Council is considering closing the banks that it says are not being used as much as in the past and to make major savings.

Residents are being asked for their views about proposals to remove Shropshire Council’s recycling bring bank sites, as part of a six-week consultation that runs until January 25.

Shropshire Council and Veolia currently provide bring banks at 120 sites across Shropshire, to enable people to recycle household waste including cans, glass, paper, clothing and drinks cartons.

They are typically located in pub, supermarket and village hall car parks.

The council is proposing to remove its bring bank sites to help reduce fly-tipping and littering, to encourage recycling and to save money.

These proposals don’t affect banks provided by private organisations on private land. The council admits that an important factor is the need to save money. As a result of substantial Government funding reductions, Shropshire Council says it needs to significantly reduce its budget and make unprecedented changes to services.

It’s estimated that removing the banks would save the council around £230,000 a year. That money would then be put towards the provision of other vital services.