This is an article from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which OnTheWight is taking part in. Some additions by OnTheWight. Ed
As agreed in the 2017-18 budget last year, the summer opening times at Lynnbottom tip have been slashed by 35 hours a week — or five hours a day.
The revised opening hours, introduced at the start of October 2017, will remain in force, meaning the centre will remain open between 10am and 6pm, seven days a week.
Meanwhile, the tip at Afton will open for three days between 10am and 6pm, a cut of 15 hours.
Increase in fly-tipping fears
There are now fears the cut in hours will lead to an increase in fly-tipping, particularly on nearby Brading Down Road.
Former Ryde town councillor, David Woodward, branded the decision ‘self-defeating’ and ‘very short-sighted’.
He said,
“Lots of working people will now not be able to go on their way to work.
“There will be more queuing and sooner or later there will be a bad accident on that road.”
Saving £84,000 pa
The revised hours form part of plans to save the council £252,000 over three years.
IW Council cabinet member for waste management, Cllr Michael Murwill, said:
“Officers analysed the footfall data for both sites and explored how other local authorities in the UK ran their sites.
“The proposed option met the needs of as many users as possible and it has been largely successful.”
