From: Bradford district councillors David Nunns (Conservative, Ilkley), Andrew Loy (Conservative, Ilkley)

Bradford Council recently implemented a reduction in the opening hours of several recycling centres, including our own in Ilkley on Golden Butts Road, without prior consultation or warning.

This will be seen by many residents and councillors alike as being the first step towards permanent facilities closures in many areas of the district as the council teeters on the brink of bankruptcy, thus then being able to allocate valuable town centre locations for development.

Just a few months ago, the council proposed closing Keighley tip, but this was withdrawn following a determined campaign by local residents and councillors.

The Golden Butts centre in Ilkley can see up to 250 vehicle visits per day during the winter months and up to 350 or even 400 during the summer, when queues are evident spilling out onto the adjacent roads during busy periods.

We believe closure would be a false economy, as it would inevitably lead to additional costs addressing fly tipping. It would also surely result in a lower rate of recycling, hindering efforts to preserve and protect our environment.

We will strongly oppose any further reduction in the operational remit or cost cutting measures affecting the Ilkley centre and would urge the residents of Ilkley and the wider area to support your district councillors in our efforts to secure the future of the Ilkley facility.