MORE than 3,680 people have signed a petition calling for Stockton Heath Recycling Centre to be saved from closure.

The town's three community recycling centres are located in Stockton Heath, on Sandy Lane, Gatewarth, on Barnard Street, and Woolston, on New Cut Lane.

The village site was saved in 2014 following a huge public outcry over plans to shut it.

But, with the council analysing 'saving options', it is facing another battle to remain open.

The authority is moving ahead with modernisation plans for Gatewarth and Woolston, with a combined investment of £1.8 million.

However, it believes the 'size and access restrictions' at the Stockton Heath facility, together with the impact on immediate neighbours, mean that it would be 'challenging' to carry out upgrades to the site.

Warrington Liberal Democrats launched a petition calling on the council to keep the site open and have been pleased with the response.

Cllr Peter Walker (LD – Stockton Heath) said: "A poor response to their consultation will be taken by the council as a sign that they can close Sandy Lane and no one will care.

"We know that is not true.

"3,686 people have signed our petition, which calls on the council to keep Sandy Lane open unless another recycling centre is provided south of the Mersey.

"People living in Latchford, Stockton Heath, Appleton, Hatton, Stretton, Walton, Grappenhall, Thelwall and Lymm have all signed."

Appleton councillor Brian Axcell added: "If Sandy Lane is closed, people from all these areas will be forced to travel through the town centre to recycle, adding to traffic congestion and air pollution – and not everyone has a car.

"More recyclables will be put into the black bins which will reduce the town's recycling rates and fly-tipping is bound to increase, which will cost the council to clear."

The final petition sheets will be handed to the council before the consultation closes on July 29.

The authority urged residents to put their views forward.

A spokesman added: "All responses will be taken on board and carefully considered, together with factors such as affordability and practicality."