Wiltshire Council criticised over waste contract approach

Wiltshire Council has faced renewed criticism over its approach to a waste contract amid ongoing calls for it to be terminated. 

Westbury town councillor Mark Bailey has said there appears to be “no appetite on Wiltshire Council to end their very close relationship with Hills”.

Wiltshire Council approved its budget in February, which included a variation to the Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT) contract operated by Hills Waste. At the meeting, it was stated that terminating the contract would cost £19.8 million and was considered unaffordable, despite calls from councillors and residents.

Campaigners say the contract is central to the financial viability of the proposed Westbury incinerator.

Speaking at a Westbury Town Council meeting on Tuesday 5th May, Cllr Bailey said Wiltshire Council had stated it was continuing to explore options for terminating the contract but had been reluctant to answer questions.

He said, “The current position is that Wiltshire Council continue to negotiate the variation of the contract, whilst assuring us that they are continuing to explore options for termination.

“The reality appears to be that there is no appetite on Wiltshire Council to end their very close relationship with Hills.

“We are not going to give up this fight, and continue to work alongside our unitary councillors, Andrew Murrison, local campaign groups and the general public to keep the pressure on Wiltshire Council, with the long-term aim of making incineration unviable, and therefore preventing it from being built.”

He added, “We’ve continued to lobby Wiltshire Council and request updates and meetings as agreed on 19th February, but they have been very slow at responding and even more reluctant to answer questions in a timely manner.”

However, Wiltshire Council has confirmed to White Horse News that it is not looking to terminate the contract.

Councillor Paul Sample JP, Wiltshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Waste, said, “There are no further updates to share on this matter and at this stage, our position remains unchanged to vary and not terminate the MBT contract.”