STOCKTON Heath Recycling Centre has been saved from closure following huge public outcry at plans to close its doors for good.

The council's executive board had approved plans for a new waste recycling contract in June which would have seen the Sandy Lane centre close and opening hours reduced at the remaining two centres at Gatewarth and Woolston.

But South Warrington residents and opposition councillors in the area sprung into action complaining of the impact on traffic and concerns over flytipping if the contract had gone to FCC Environment.

And following a four week consultation with residents on the borough wide strategy to improve recycling at Monday's executive board meeting the administration announced it would now stay open.

Clr David Keane, executive board member for environment, said: "We have held an extensive consultation which we received just under 1,300 responses.

"People from all over the borough did respond to this but a very large proportion, almost 70 per cent were from the Stockton Heath area. That area was affected by some of the proposed changes."

Residents came up with a range of ideas on how to help increase recycling including collecting more materials from homes.

"We also asked peopled various questions on the use of facilities like what time's they used them and what did they take there," added Clr Keane. "This was the answer which gave us the recommendation with a new proposal for recycling for a sustainable future.

"We learnt that the use of those sites particularly Stockton Heath and Woolston was greater after 10am and before 4pm in the day and fairly well used for the whole period of the weekend.

"We are reducing opening hours by 30 per cent but retaining the opening hours which people say they want to use the site.

"We do have to go on reducing opening hours due to funding cuts.

"We have listened to residents and noted their great support for recycling in the town."

Council leader Clr Terry O'Neill welcomed the move and added support for more small recycling facilities across the borough to compliment the main sites.

"Our aim is to increase recycling and give people local recycling points."