A CAMPAIGN has been launched to save a Somerset recycling centre at risk of closure under cost-cutting plans.

It is understood – though not confirmed – the Dimmer Recycling Centre, in Castle Cary, is due to close at the end of this month as part of a bid to cut costs at Somerset Council, which is facing a funding shortfall of £100 million for the coming year.

The Castle Cary site, in Dimmer Lane, is believed to be one of five county recycling centres set to close in a bid to save around £960,000 each year.

Somerset Council, which has declared a ‘financial emergency’ as it fights to balance the books, has not confirmed the sites under threat, but previously said they would be selected on the basis of those offering the “largest saving per tonne”.

Last month, BBC Somerset reported the centres under threat were at Castle Cary, Cheddar, Crewkerne, Dulverton and Williton.

However, residents in Castle Cary have already launched a petition calling for any potential closure of the Dimmer site to be reversed.

A Say No To Dimmer campaign website said: “Since its creation, Somerset Council has set out its aims and ambitions, with four guiding principles: A Greener, More Sustainable Somerset; A Flourishing and Resilient Somerset; A Fairer, Ambitious Somerset; A Healthy and Caring Somerset.

“Is closing recycling centre really the way forward to a better Somerset?”

READ MORE: Somerset Council declares ‘financial emergency’ – and could declare bankruptcy
READ MORE: CCTV service could be saved – but jobs to go at Somerset Council
READ MORE: MPs’ committee calls for better funding for councils

As well as closing the recycling centres, the council is proposing a council tax rise of some 10%, cuts to services, and a permit scheme for the remaining recycling sites to save money.

Budget recommendations will come before the council’s executive on February 7, with the final decision being taken by the full council on February 20.

To view the petition by Say No To Dimmer visit www.change.org/p/say-no-to-somerset-council-s-plan-to-close-our-recycling-site-at-castle-cary-dimmer.