Calls growing to scrap plans to close Stourbridge tip

Waste and recycling operations would be shifted to Brierley Hill under the plans which were revealed earlier this year.

Dudley Council has come under fire over the proposals, amid claims roads in Brierley Hill would become swamped with traffic.

The future of the tip has been thrown back into focus following the change in leadership at the council.

The proposals were put forward by the Labour administration which is no longer in power.

New council leader Patrick Harley said the plans would be reviewed and said they would not go ahead if they were not suitable.

Now UKIP group leader Councillor Paul Brothwood, who was instrumental in helping the Conservatives take power from Labour, has said the plans should be thrown out.

Councillor Brothwood said: "We had a leadership meeting and I made it very clear that this doesn't have the support of many teachers.

"I think we should scrap the plans and go away and look at alternative options."

Suggestions the borough's main dump could be run from the Leys Depot in Brierley Hill sparked concerns from residents about traffic building up at the site, which is not far from the Merry Hill shopping centre and several busy dual carriageways.

There have also been complaints from people living in Stourbridge and Halesowen that they will face much longer journeys to get rid of rubbish, potentially leading to increased fly-tipping.

Under the plans, the Stourbridge tip site, on Birmingham Street, would be closed and sold off.

Councillor Brothwood said he believed the proposals were not thought through.

"The main problem is the traffic. Brierley Hill Road is already chaos and there are plans to build 160 homes right next to it," he said.

"It is also near the green belt and the nature reserve. I don't think it's an appropriate place for a recycling centre.

"That's what we're here to do; scrutinise. Anything we don't like the look of we will try to put a stop to."