I’M not quite sure whether the idea of closing the Royd Ings Avenue household waste recycling centre is a genuine proposal or something that fell out of a Christmas cracker at the council’s staff party. Assuming it’s the former, it certainly hasn’t been thought through and would likely prove to be a false economy.

Although I’m not a frequent user of that tip, or any other for that matter, it is on a regular route of mine so I often see users queuing up to use it. By closing it down, one would inevitably see a rise in fly-tipping, despite the Sugden End tip remaining open. This would then require funding for the increased number of council officers needed to combat the offenders; and I think we all know what a lengthy procedure that can be. Evidence gathering alone can take several months, and has no guarantee of a successful prosecution.

In addition to this, there’s the logistical costs involved in clearing up the waste and the negative impact it can have on the environment, both aesthetically and from a health and wellbeing perspective, with the attraction of vermin being a real concern. All these costs would have to be accounted for in assessing the savings likely to be generated by the closure.

If all that wasn’t enough, the prospect of fly-tipping would also impact the justice system in dealing with the offenders; and it’s been well publicised just how backlogged they are in the wake of Covid-19 and the strikes.

Incidentally, it would also have a knock-on effect with the Sugden End tip, with the likelihood of lengthy queues as far as the Haworth mini-roundabout, causing a build-up of traffic down Halifax Road and the increased risk of road traffic collisions.

In conclusion, I can only hope that it isn't a genuine proposal after all, in which case, may I respectfully suggest that the slip of white paper be returned to the cracker along with the paper crown and plastic toy, and taken down to the Royd Ings Avenue tip where it can be cost-effectively recycled.

Thomas Dade, Silsden

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