A Berrylands recycling centre needs to close because Kingston Council workers spend two hours a day cleaning up fly-tippers’ rubbish.

A report by council officers said the cost to clean the Raeburn Avenue site is so high the centre should be shut - and could instead be turned into an orchard.

The report, to Surbiton neighbourhood councillors, said: “This [cleaning] involves the routine diversion of a resource that would otherwise be devoted to street cleansing elsewhere in Surbiton.

“The committee should instruct officers to ensure that local residents are made aware that the neighbourhood is minded to close the centre.”

The recommendation follows a petition by residents which demanded the council either clean up the centre or close it.

Surrey Comet:

Overflowing bins at the site.

Officers’ proposals for alternative uses include:

  • Community orchard. Cost: £9,000
  • Car park. Cost: £250
  • Nature area. Cost: £5,000
  • Community kitchen garden. Cost: £6,750

Councillors will vote on whether to close the centre at a meeting in Dysart School next Wednesday, February 12, at 7.30pm.

A final decision on the future of the site will be made in March.