YOUR SAY: The possible charges and changes to the recycling centre

Derbyshire County Council is currently consulting residents on a number of cost-saving measures, but it has still got you very riled up.

We took to the streets to find out what residents think about the proposed changes.

Andrew Hallam, 41, from Chapel-en-le-Frith, said: “We shouldn’t have to pay because the council and the government can’t balance their budget.

“My philosophy is that we pay council tax and that should be enough.

“There is too much wrong with this country and it won’t be long before there is a revolution and I for one will be out protesting.

“The council spend too much money on plush dinners so cut back on that and keep our services open.”

To try and make savings, Derbyshire County Council wants to introduce charges for the disposal of construction and demolition waste, namely soil, bricks and rubble. The proposed limit of 50kg per household per week would be lifted.

Roger Beverley, 68, from Buxton, said: “This is not very good, it is only going to lead to more fly-tipping if people have to pay to get rid of waste.

“People will see it as an excuse to not go to the tip. It’s already a problem now, but if people have to pay our tidy town will be ruined.”

Access could also be restricted for certain types of vehicles, such as vans and trailers, as well as to residents from outside Derbyshire.

Josh Fussell, 24, from Buxton, said: “People struggle to get rid of rubbish as it is. I can see the council’s point about not having other people use the tip, but how will they enforce it? I don’t think they can check it properly.

“I really hope the council doesn’t go through with this because I think it’s a really bad idea.”

Restricting access would make sure the county council does not pick up the cost of dealing with waste from outside the county. This could, for example, mean residents are asked to show proof of their address – such as a photocard driving licence – on arrival or asked to apply for a permit to use the sites. This would be expected to save up to £200,000 a year.

The funding given to the county council by central government is expected to be a third lower in 2020 than it was in 2010, and so the county council must cut its annual £37m waste management budget by £4m by April 2019.

Jenny Turvely, 35, said: “It should be free to use the recycling centre otherwise people won’t recycle.

“If the council does start bringing in charges and restricting access, people will just find another place to dump their rubbish, such as in other people’s skips or dumping it on the street.”

Dawn Rothwell, 45, from Fairfield, said: “We pay enough in council tax to support the recycling centre, so I don’t think it’s right for charges to be brought in. It’s not fair on people who have big cars or vans for work and don’t have a car, that they should be restricted.”

Phil Jacklin added: “I think the council will push this through, which is not going to make sense for people in the area.”