Photo: (left to right: Alan Mak MP, Allison Wiltshire, Cllr Rob Humby, Cllr Frank Pearce, Cllr Clare Satchwell, Cllr Michael Wilson). Presentation of residents’ petition against closure of Hayling tip
Local MP Alan Mak has backed a residents' petition against the possible closure of Hayling's waste recycling centre which has secured 6872 signatures. Hampshire County Council's consultation on the future of waste recycling centres across the county closed last Wednesday 25 May.
The petition has been organised by Hayling Island resident Allison Wiltshire who has led the community campaign against the closure.
Havant MP Alan Mak has backed the campaign from a political perspective, and arranged for Hampshire Council Cabinet Member for the Environment Rob Humby to visit Hayling to meet Wiltshire and local councillors and hear their concerns.
Mak also arranged for Wiltshire to present the petition to Humby who will take the final decision about Hayling tip's future over the summer. Local councillors Mike Wilson, Clare Satchwell and Frank Pearce also attended the presentation.
The residents petition has gained widespread local support on Hayling Island, with local businesses, pubs and shops all encouraging customers to sign paper copies alongside an online version of the petition.
Alan Mak MP said, "I've been working hard to save the Hayling tip from closure by lobbying Hampshire County Council at a political level. Allison's petition with over 6800 signatures has spearheaded the community campaign, so the decision-makers in Winchester can be in no doubts about the strength of feeling locally."
Mak added, "Congratulations to Allison for her hard work organising the petition. She has harnessed Hayling's tremendous community spirit, and I was pleased to bring Rob Humby down to Hayling to receive the petition in person from Allison at my meeting."
Allison Wiltshire said, "I'm delighted by the strong support my petition has received from Hayling's residents. Alan's meeting with Rob Humby gave me the chance to say loud and clear that Hayling's tip must remain open, and this petition sends a strong message from local residents themselves. We've done all we can and now we await Councillor Humby's decision."
Cllr Humby is expected to come to a decision over the summer of 2016.