Watch: See what Shifnal residents think of new rules banning them from the local tip
Telford & Wrekin Council has banned Shropshire Council residents from using its recycling centre
From last week, residents using recycling centres in Telford have been asked to show proof of address - a move that the council says will help manage demand and prioritise access for residents.
Telford & Wrekin Council said the facilities and processing costs were funded by local residents and “significant” use by those living outside the borough placed “an unnecessary financial burden” on Telford taxpayers.
But MP Mark Pritchard has branded the move “ridiculous” saying that it will “increase fly-tipping and reduce recycling rates”.
The MP has also said residents living in border towns and villages, like Shifnal or Sheriffhales, will have to drive much further to access Shropshire Council-run tip.
We spoke to local residents to hear their concerns.
Kerry Palmer, 54, from Shifnal, said a trip to the tip will now take another 20 minutes of driving.
She said: “For me, it means that I will have to kidnap my sister, who lives in Telford, so I could use a local one, because it’s actually a 20-minute drive to my local tip.
“It's just not feasible with me working full time and having to book a slot as well. It's just nonsense. You know, the council should talk between themselves and hopefully, sort out an arrangement to use both if we're in the area.“
Royston Fletcher, 69, from Albrighton, said the move was “petty”.
He said: “It seems a bit petty because it's causing people a lot more economic stress. Surely the nearest one is the most viable one.
“I would have thought people are too idle to travel that bit further, so they will be dumping it on somebody else's doorstep. I think there's a good possibility of that.”
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