OPPOSITION councillors have criticised Ealing Council's plans to close down the Acton Re-use and Recycling Centre on Stirling Road.

The move is part of the council's efficiency savings and would consolidate the borough's recycling operations to just one main site, in Greenford.

This would bring Ealing in line with other London boroughs that also only have one main recycling site.

Residents who live in the east part of the borough and would normally use the Acton site on Stirling Road, will have to use the site at Abbey Road in Park Royal.

Both Ealing Conservatives and Liberal Democrats have criticised the proposals and have set up respective petitions in order to persuade the council to change its mind.

Lib Dem councillor, Jon Ball said: "This proposal is bonkers.

"There is a climate emergency.

"Making it harder for our residents to recycle and forcing them to drive from one end of the borough to the other to do so is crazy.

"We must save Acton tip."

Conservative Leader, Gregory Stafford said: "Without consulting residents, Ealing's Labour-controlled council is closing the Acton Re-use and Recycling Centre on Stirling Road.

"Whether it is on LTNs, closing local libraries, towering overdevelopment or the closure of Stirling Road, Ealing Council just isn't listening."

Some local residents are also against the proposal, with many taking to Facebook to voice their concerns.

Sara Nathan, who lives in Acton said: "I though getting us to drive less and for shorter distances was a core part of the council's policy.

"Not sure how this helps."

Cathy Swift, administrator of Litter Action Group for Ealing Residents (LAGER Can) said: "Our group has cleared up literally hundreds of fly-tips from around the borough in the past few months.

"Closing this centre can only make things worse.

"We need to make it as easy and convenient as possible for people to dispose of rubbish responsibly.

"This is a step in the wrong direction and at odds with the council's other narrative that we should be driving less."