A £2million cut in funding for Somerset’s recycling services is set to lead to the closure of the waste centre at Middlezoy.

In proposals by the Somerset Waste Partnership, five of the county’s busiest recycling centres, including Saltlands in Bridgwater, could have extended opening hours, while two community recycling sites at Coleford and Middlezoy could be shut for good.

The plans come two years after Coleford and Middlezoy residents successfully called for the smaller recycling sites to be saved and re-designated as community recycling sites with a £2 entry charge.

The sites account for less than 2% of all recycling site visits, according to Somerset County Council.

In 2014 and 2015, under SCC’s medium-term financial plan, the Somerset Waste Partnership will have £711,900 less funding, which amounts to a £2,287,900 cut over the next four years.

The recycling centres at Bridgwater Saltlands, Frome, Minehead, Taunton (Priorswood) and Yeovil have been flagged up as the five sites which could have increased operating hours.

Steve Read, managing director of the Somerset Waste Partner-ship, said: “We appreciate that this may, if agreed, cause some inconvenience to the committed recyclers of Coleford and Middle-zoy.

“We hope they’ll be able to use one of the next most convenient sites, one of which in each district will be open extra hours as well as continuing to be free to use.

“Meanwhile, an expansion of days and hours at five or more sites could only help improve recycling and cut fly tipping further.”

A final decision by the county council is set for February 21, 2014, and if the plan is given the thumbs-up it will start on April 1.

To have your say on either proposal, write to the Somerset Waste Partnership or email enquiries@somersetwaste.gov.uk