Surrey Heath MP Calls for Recycling Service Safeguards
Swift Lane closure increases pressure on Camberley and Chertsey sites; Al Pinkerton MP urges Environment Secretary to protect recycling services
Recipient: The Rt Hon Steve Reed OBE MP, Secretary of State for Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. 13/08/2025.
Dear Steve,
I am writing regarding the statutory provision of waste and recycling services for residents in my constituency of Surrey Heath.
The Camberley Community Recycling Centre is under significant pressure following the closure of the Swift Lane site in Bagshot by the Conservative-led County Council. This decision was met with strong local opposition, including a petition signed by more than 1,250 residents. Previously, residents had access to three recycling centres: Swift Lane (Bagshot), Camberley, and Lyne (Chertsey). With the closure of Bagshot, it was inevitable that the two remaining centres would become overwhelmed, as is now clearly the case.
In response, Surrey County Council (SCC) has introduced a trial online booking system intended to manage peak-time congestion. This measure comes despite the Council not holding a democratic mandate, following its decision to cancel local elections that were due to take place in May 2025.
The new system requires residents to book a time slot on the Council’s website up to two weeks in advance, effectively forcing them to anticipate their waste and recycling needs. Upon arrival, they are permitted only 15 minutes to unload before being required to leave. This timeframe could be insufficient if residents face traffic delays or unforeseen issues, placing unnecessary strain on them and limiting accessibility. By contrast, Hampshire offers 30‑minute slots to better accommodate such circumstances.
I would be grateful if you could clarify whether SCC’s current arrangements meet statutory obligations, and whether the Government intends to provide oversight of infrastructure decisions that may disproportionately impact Surrey Heath residents during Surrey’s transition to a unitary authority model.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your swift response.
Yours sincerely,
Dr Al Pinkerton MP