Cheltenham Borough Council faces a £1 million upgrade bill to keep the Swindon Road recycling centre open. This bill would need to be paid to meet new standards set by the Environment Agency. 

The Local Government Association says Cheltenham is the only district-level authority in the country running a specialist Household Recycling Centre. The facility is funded entirely by Cheltenham taxpayers and has long subsidised the rest of the County. Waste recycling centres across the rest of the County are run by Gloucestershire County Council, which has the statutory responsibility for waste disposal. 

The facility is due to close indefinitely from January 10th. It is vital that the County Council, as waste disposal authority, works closely with the Borough Council to restore a service for Cheltenham without delay - at Swindon Road or at an appropriate nearby location.