MIDDLEZOY’S recycling centre could be saved – if people are prepared to pay £2.50 each time to use it.

That is a proposal going before the Somerset Waste Partnership board this Friday.

The Mercury has reported how Somerset County Council has proposed closing four of its 18 household waste recycling centres – at Crewkerne, Coleford, Dulverton and Middlezoy.

But now, the waste partnership board is proposing changing the legal status of the four at-risk centres to “community recycling sites”, so visitors can be charged.

Somerset Waste Partnership managing director Steve Read said: "This is a new approach and it could result in legal challenge. But because the idea was suggested by residents in the areas affected, in preference to closure, it's hard to see who might object so strongly.

“The board will consider the risks of this, and will decide whether the scheme should proceed.”

County council leader Ken Maddock said: “If we proceed with this and the public rally round and use the sites as they did before, it means all four centres can be saved from closure." Other proposed cost-cutting measures including closing all recycling centres for two days a week, cutting back opening hours, and charging people who bring in gas bottles, tyres, soil and rubble.

You can find out more about the proposals by clicking on the link by this story.

Have your say using the comment form below, and don't forget to return to this site to find out the result of Friday's meeting.