THE reprieve of Middlewich tip has been welcomed by the town's Labour councillors.

The household waste and recycling centre on Croxton Lane had been threatened with closure by Cheshire East Council when its current contract ends in 2023.

Following a review and extensive public consultation, Cheshire East cabinet has approved a recommendation from Highways and Waste to keep the town's tip open along with Knutsford and five others for now.

But Congleton's recycling centre. the only one in the borough located on land not owned by the council, will close in September.

Yesterday (Tuesday) seven councillors voted in favour, one against and one member abstained.

Middlewich Labour wholeheartedly welcomed the decision and praised the part played by residents.

Cllr Mike Hunter said: “Our campaign was built on a straightforward argument of common sense. The idea that Cheshire East would save money by making Middlewich residents drive their waste to Crewe, only for it all to be carted back to Middlewich, was always a preposterous one.

“The response from Middlewich residents has been tremendous. There was a huge number of responses to the consultation and a huge number of emails to cabinet members after the consultation closed.

"It all demonstrated just how much value Middlewich residents place on their tip.”

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More than 10,200 residents responded to consultation, according to the household waste recycling centre provision report, and most wanted all seven sites to be maintained..

The second most popular choice was for Middlewich to remain open.

Cllr Gareth Williams said: “This is a hard-won victory for Middlewich. I would like to thank every resident who responded to the consultation, every resident who has contacted their town or borough councillors, everyone who took the time to send emails to cabinet members, and all those who took photos of the queues at the Croxton Lane site.

"You have all played your part. Our tip is a well-loved facility and we are keeping it.”

Cheshire East Council says the seven sites remaining open are within a 20 minute drive for 96 per cent of households in the borough.