29/07/2026
Possible closure of Sandy Lane Recycling Centre.
Tomorrow 31st July is the last day to comment on the Consultation for the proposed closure of the recycling centre.
The consultation is not about the whole site, it is just about the waste facility..
People are saying it's a done deal - it's not - we don't know the outcome, that will be decided by WBC's Cabinet on 9th September.
Just a few points
The site has been on borrowed time for over ten years. It is in a totally unsuitable location and is far too small for purpose.
That's why it takes less materials than the other two sites. People says it's busy because of the queues. The issue is the access is much more constrained so it can't take many vehicles on the approach.
We receive lots of complaints about it: queuing, closure when the containers have to be emptied (they can't be emptied when the site is open) potholes etc.
WBC are not going to invest in it so if it remains open, it'll be just the same although we may get the potholes mended. There won't be much improvement is any, sorry to say.
We know people will have to travel to the other sites. Many people do this already because it is easier but yes we are aware this will be inconvenient and add yet more traffic through Stockton Heath.
We have been promised a new site in Appleton but despite people think it's easy to find one, it's not. Land acquisition, substantial funding, planning permission ....
We continue to work with Homes England and WBC on pushing this forward
Of course WBC will sell the Sandy Lane site off - developers have been hovering around for years. And that money will go to pay off the Council debt. That's a fact whether we agree or not.
The Community Centre has now closed. It only had a few user groups and they have moved to other locations. It was our only Community Centre and we are not happy to see it go but again, it was old, neglected and with very poor parking facilities. Many people did not even know it was there.
We are working with WBC to discuss other options.
Atomic Theatre Arts operate from the old Council building and they have been on a rolling rent/lease for years. We have been supporting them as best we are able to find a new home - which is very difficult and I am sure they would be open to any suggestions for a new home although they have explored most possibilities.
All this is difficult for residents to hear and it is very difficult for local Councillors when we are faced with a Council in such financial circumstances. We cannot promise you instant solutions or magic tricks. It would be easy to do that but we can assure you we are very aware of the issues facing Stockton Heath and would love residents to talk to us - please come along to one of our Surgeries or give us a call or an email.
https://www.warrington.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2026-06/Consultation%20Booklet%20Stockton%20Heath%20CRC.docx_.pdf
