A PETITION has been started to oppose the closure of Otley’s public tip.

Leeds City Council is proposing to close Ellar Ghyll waste and recycling centre as part of a major cost-cutting drive to balance its budget for the coming year. The authority believes closing the tip would save it £110,000 in 2021/22 but critics say it would remove a vital service from the area and lead to an increase in fly-tipping.

Now Leeds North West Liberal Democrat campaigners have begun a petition to try and prevent the proposal, which will have to go to consultation, becoming a reality.

They claim the closure will lead to: increased pollution associated with longer journeys to the Milner Road site at Yeadon; Increased traffic through Aireborough; a rise in fly-tipping; and less recycling.

The petition can be viewed at www.leedsnwlibdems.org.uk/ellarghyllpetition.