Councillors from Blaenau Gwent joined contractor Jim Davies Civil Engineering Ltd and children from a local primary school on site today to officially ‘break ground’ on the development. This will be the second site in the county borough and will be open to residents six days a week. It is expected to be completed by June 2020.
This new flagship recycling centre will be a significant asset to people in Blaenau Gwent. It is purpose-built to enable residents to recycle and reuse their rubbish safely and efficiently. The site will provide a full suite of recycling services to take items like sofas, white goods such as freezers, fridges and washing machines, all free-standing furniture including tables, chairs and wardrobes, plus carpets and underlay.
The centre has been designed with easy access in mind with a long entrance road for HWRC users to prevent queuing onto the highway, significantly more parking capacity and the design incorporates disabled spaces, pedestrian access and electric charging points for cars.
Funding for the development has been provided by Welsh Government. The centre has been designed by the Council’s Technical Services teams.
Councillor Garth Collier, the Council’s Deputy Leader & Executive Member for Community Services says:
“This is great news for residents and will provide them with a modern and accessible facility to make it even easier for them to recycle more of their household waste. The investment is part of our waste strategy and one of a number of long term measures the Council is undertaking to meet Welsh Government’s increasing recycling targets. The new centre will also feature a furniture re-use facility where residents can donate items that are in good condition and free from defect so that they can be bought and re-used by someone else. I look forward to it being completed and open to residents.”
As part of off-site improvements associated with the new development, a new traffic signal facility will be provided at the A467/Roseheyworth junction.
Cllr Joanna Wilkins, ward member for Cwmtillery and Chair of the Community Services Scrutiny Committee says:
“Increasing recycling is a top priority for the Council, not only to meet challenging national targets but to look after the environment and protect it for our future generations. We invited local children along today because it’s so important that as the recyclers of the future we engage them fully now in wanting to play their part in saving the planet. I’m told that pupils at this school are keen recyclers already so well done to them!”
Jim Davies Civil Engineering Ltd says:
“Having constructed the first civic amenity site for Blaenau Gwent some years ago we are delighted to continue our long association with the borough and look forward to delivering the scheme to the local community over the coming months. Having been involved in recycling projects over many years it is encouraging to see the Local Authority taking an active role in encouraging the younger generation to get involved with recycling and we wish the project a huge success.”
Over 60% of Jim Davies’ workforce live in the Blaenau Gwent area and the project will ensure that employment levels from within Blaenau Gwent will be maintained with the company, as well as some new opportunities created. There are numerous companies within Blaenau Gwent that are in the company’s existing supply chain which means economic benefits for the area and the company will be looking to work with the community on projects to benefit and enhance the local area. Jim Davies has also provided sponsorship, assistance and financial support to various organisations and charities in the borough over the years and hopes to remain in a position to do so now and in the future.
They would welcome contact from any local organisations/community groups that require assistance or support with any projects that they may planned during the duration of this contract.
The children of Roseheyworth Road Primary Campus – a part of the Abertillery Learning Community – are already keen recyclers. Jim Davies today presented them with a cheque for £250 to use towards school projects.