'Scrap the tip booking system' - Shropshire Lib Dem councillors launch petition

Liberal Democrat councillors have launched a petition calling on Shropshire Council to scrap the controversial new booking system for Household Recycling Centres, arguing that the scheme is 'using a sledgehammer to crack a nut' and makes no financial sense.

The Conservative-controlled local authority introduced the booking system to try and reduce the number of people using county services who were not residents, cutting costs. 

Of the 18,000 people who responded to their consultation, 59% of residents opposed the introduction of the booking system, and only a quarter supported it.

Liberal Democrat councillors such as Alex Wagner are arguing that the additional administrative cost means that the scheme will not save what the administration claim it will.

Alex has launched a petition calling on the Conservatives to think again and go back to the old system. It can be signed online at shrewsburylibdems.org/scrap-tip-bookings.

Councillor Alex Wagner said:

"This policy is a classic case of using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. The aim is to stop a handful of people from out of the county using our service. The reality is that thousands of ordinary Salopians are inconvenienced on a regular basis for little benefit.

"The argument about savings simply doesn't hold up, particularly in Shrewsbury where there was no significant problem to speak of in the first place. The cost of introducing a whole new layer of administration cannot possibly be justified by the perceived benefits of the scheme. 

"That's why Liberal Democrat councillors have launched a petition, calling on the Conservatives to get rid of this ridiculous bureaucracy and go back to the old system. I would urge anyone who wants to send a message to the Council administration to sign and show their support for the campaign."