Calls for improvements to Bourne tip
A petition has been set up calling for efficiency and accessibility improvements at a tip.
More than 300 people have signed the online petition on Change.org, which argues that layout of Bourne Household Waste Recycling Centre (BHWRC) forces cars into a single line of traffic, causing congestion and frustration among visitors.
It comes after renewed calls for a tip to be built in Stamford - Bourne’s centre is the nearest available.
Petition starter Amanda Plant wrote: "I use Bourne's recycling centre frequently, and the queuing time has become unbearable.
"Many of us have noticed and commented on social media about the inadequately planned layout. It's clear that flytipping has significantly increased in our area as a result, creating an eyesore and an environmental hazard. The current system deters people from recycling and contributes to this growing problem."
She added: "The inefficiency is apparent, and it's high time that Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) prioritises a complete overhaul of the system."
Ms Plant also contended that it was "shocking" that the centre, which is owned by Lincolnshire County Council, does not allow for plastic recycling.
"In an era where reducing environmental impact is crucial, the inability to recycle plastic is a step backwards. We must urgently address this gap to encourage environmentally friendly practices among residents.
"Concrete changes can make a significant impact. A planned traffic flow could dramatically decrease waiting times, and implementing designated drop-off zones could simplify the process for residents. Furthermore, introducing a plastic recycling program is essential for aligning the community's environmental goals with practical actions.
"Bourne and surrounding areas deserve a recycling centre that facilitates easy, quick, and effective recycling. LCC needs to act decisively to enhance the facility and, consequently, motivate more responsible disposal habits amongst residents."
Commenting on the petition, Councillor Rhys Baker (Ind), cabinet member for environment and waste at South Kesteven District Council, claimed the former Conservative administration at the county council did not consider Bourne tip a priority site for investment before 2030. He promised to raise the matter at the next meeting of the Lincolnshire Waste Partnership, where he serves as an SKDC representative, to see if the new Reform UK-led administration takes a different view.
He wrote: "I completely agree that the queues and accessibility of Bourne HWRC are not good enough. It hasn’t expanded with the town and - particularly at the weekends - is often a glorified traffic jam.
"I also really appreciate and respect the petition calling for change. Grassroots democracy will make Bourne better."
Coun Baker also confirmed that there are currently no plans to upgrade the site, change the opening hours, or expand the capacity in the medium term.
Responding to the news, Chris Yorston, head of waste at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “We know that at particularly busy times queues can form causing delays at Bourne Household Waste Recycling Centre, and our on-site team greatly appreciate visitors' patience during these periods.
“When the site is busy, we publish information about queuing to try and discourage others from joining the queue and instead to visit at a quieter time.
“Our team work hard to help visitors dispose of their waste as efficiently as possible, and we are looking at ways to speed up this process even more.”
