A NEW �3million user-friendly recycling centre for St Neots should open in the autumn. Work has started on the state-of-the-art indoor recycling centre on Cromwell Road Industrial Estate, which will replace the old open-air site in the middle of St Neots

A NEW �3million user-friendly recycling centre for St Neots should open in the autumn.

Work has started on the state-of-the-art indoor recycling centre on Cromwell Road Industrial Estate, which will replace the old open-air site in the middle of St Neots that can be hard to get to.

The new centre will be split level, so people no longer have to struggle up steps with heavy rubbish, and being will indoors to reduce noise and odour. Residents will be able to recycle a wide range of items including electrical appliances, timber, garden waste, batteries and cardboard.

The new facilities will also help people who previously used the now closed Buckden site, although the Liberal Democrats continue to press for partial re-opening of the Buckden facility.

Cambridgeshire County Councillor Sir Peter Brown, cabinet member for the economy, environment and climate change, said: "This new centre is part of a programme of new facilities we will be building across Cambridgeshire to help people recycle even more of their rubbish. It will be a real benefit to the community in the St Neots area as it will be modern and have more facilities than the current centre.

"Cambridgeshire already leads the way when it comes to recycling and composting. But we know we can do better."

Councillor Colin Hyams, executive councillor for operational and countryside services at Huntingdonshire District Council, added: "Our residents have helped us exceed Government's 2020 targets and reach fifth place in 'the Premier League' of recyclers, but we want to do even better.