The under threat recycling centre at Portsoy could be saved under a new proposal being put forward by councillors.
Aberdeenshire Council is seeking residents’ views on a package of suggested changes to recycling and waste services across the north-east.
The consultation was put before the Banff and Buchan Area Committee today for discussions and the talks focused heavily on the controversial plans for the site in the coastal village.
The strategy under consideration highlights two options which would close five waste centres in Aberdeenshire.
Under the options, proposals have also been put forward for either fortnightly or three weekly collections of waste from households across the region.
If approved, these changes to kerbside collections will not come into place until after 2020.
At the meeting councillors highlighted that they preferred the three weekly pick-up option and recommended that the proposal to close the Portsoy recycling centre was removed.
It was also recommended that a reviewed environmental impact report was carried out.
Before the meeting, the local community council put forward a report including opinions from surrounding communities.
It was presented at the meeting by Rob Lovie. He said: “All of us are behind the move to increase recycling but closing centres isn’t the way to do this.
“We believe the closure would have a bigger impact on Portsoy as people would not be visiting the area to leave rubbish and pop into the shops.
“We also worry about fly tipping and if anything there is the area to expand the site and extend opening times so we can allow it to work to capacity.
“It’s a great outcome today, they listened to our suggestions and hopefully we can keep our centre.”
Councillors noted that the closure could pose difficulties for elderly residents who cannot drive.
An Aberdeenshire Council spokeswoman said: “Proposals do include improving the network of recycling centres, meaning equal and fair access for all Aberdeenshire residents at no extra cost, which would mean shutting some smaller facilities.
“We are very interested in what residents think about these proposals, aimed at increasing the area’s recycling rate, and encourage people to participate in our consultation and give their views.”
The consultation will come before the Infrastructure Services Committee on November 29 for a final decision.