'Fed up with waiting': Update on massive plans for new £7.7m household waste and recycling centre
Blackburn with Darwen Council has launched a new consultation as it tries to get its troubled blueprint for a new household waste and recycling centre to replace its two existing ones back on track.
The authority last month put its plan for the new £7.7m Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) on Goose House Lane, Darwen, to replace the two existing sites on George Street West, Blackburn and Spring Vale Road, Darwen, on hold.
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Borough leader Cllr Phil Riley told January’s full Council Forum meeting that a new consultation with the public was needed before the scheme could be progressed. The move followed a backlash from residents, more than 1,500 of whom signed a petition saying it would be ‘less accessible’ to residents and calling on the authority to keep the George Street West recycling centre open as people would be less likely to travel increasing the risk of fly tipping.
This was the second time the plan has had to be put on the backburner after the original proposal was shelved in 2022 because of the cost-of-living crisis. Now the council wants people to share their views on its plan for the new centralised HWRC which’s location has been identified by consultants as the most efficient one for the borough as most residents live within a 15-minute drive.
The results will be shared at a future Council Forum meeting, where the project will be discussed by all councillors. The proposed new HWRC would be open seven days a week; will be on two levels; will have much more space, including for vehicles; will offer more options to recycle; be more accessible without steps; and wouldn’t need to close when skips are changed.
Blackburn with Darwen’s environment boss Cllr Jim Smith said: “Our current sites have served us well, but we know people who use them don’t always have a good experience.
“I’ve seen people really struggling with the steps and becoming really fed up with waiting around. Investing in a purpose-built, split-level facility is about future-proofing our services. I look forward to hearing what people have to say about the detailed plans so that we can consider them as part of the next phase of this project.”
Cllr Riley said: “There is a clear commitment for this investment from the council because these centres are no longer fit for purpose. It’s right that before we do anything else we make sure that people who already use these services can get more information as well as tell us about their experiences and priorities.”
The survey runs for four weeks. People visiting the Blackburn and Darwen HWRC sites may be asked by staff to participate.