Recycling site's future in doubt

nlnews@archant.co.uk
20 February 2008

RESIDENTS have rubbished plans to close a well-used recycling centre as part of development of the Hornsey depot site.

Hornsey's Reuse and Recycling Centre, off the High Street, forms part of the site earmarked to become 300 homes and a Sainsbury's store with parking for over 100 cars.

Consultation begins today (Thursday) on the scheme which will see the centre close if it gets the go ahead.

Katherine Pellegrino, 44, of Rathcoole Gardens, Hornsey, who uses the centre said: "I think it's awful. It's enormously helpful to have a recycling centre. It would be a real shame."

The centre is run by Haringey Council and accepts material, reused and recycled metal, cardboard, untreated wood, textiles, paper and cans - as well as old TVs, computers and furniture - and recycled 54 tonnes of waste last month.

Shirley Mathias, 70, of Cranleigh Road, Tottenham, also a regular visitor to the centre, said: "It's a wonder they don't need it - if you're putting more shops and houses where are they going to put the rubbish? It doesn't make sense.

"The lack of consideration - they really deserve to have filthy streets. Do we need more food, do we need more people? They're squeezing us into a tighter and tighter spot."

A worker, who used to be based at the centre, said: "This has been an ongoing situation for a lot of the residents on this side of the borough. They've waited for the centre so long the regulars are quite up in arms that it's going to disappear and there's nothing for definite that something will come back on the same site."

Inner Circle, the preferred developer of the depot site - which includes the former Hornsey Central Depot, coroner's court and mortuary - will hold a series of five open day exhibitions for residents to give views on site plans.

Councillor Charles Adje, Haringey Council cabinet member for resources, highlighted that the centre will continue to operate as normal and it will some time before development work begins.

Residents will also be given further chance to comment before final decisions are taken by the council's planning committee.

He said: "The preferred developer Inner Circle has now launched a consultation with residents on its development proposals. The findings of this consultation will then be analysed before any application is submitted.

"In the mean time the council will be looking at its options for relocating the Reuse and Recycling Centre as part of its commitment to offering the best possible recycling service for residents."



The exhibitions will be held at Campsbourne Baptist Church, The Campsbourne, Hornsey, on:

1. Thursday, February 21, from 5pm-8pm

2. Friday, February 22, from 5pm-8pm

3. Saturday, February 23, from 11am-4pm

4. Thursday, February 28, from 5pm-8pm

5. Friday, February 29, from 5pm-8pm