MORE than 70 people have signed a petition against proposed changes to the opening hours at a waste centre in York.

The Labour cabinet at City of York Council has proposed to reduce the hours the household waste recycling centre at Towthorpe is open, in an effort to save money.

Councillors Paul Doughty and Sian Wiseman, both of Strensall ward which is home to the site, started the Protect Towthorpe Depot e-petition with Councillor Tony Richardson of Haxby and Wigginton and Councillor Joe Watt of Skelton, Rawcliffe and Clifton Without.

Coun Doughty said: “I spoke at Cabinet to say that neither we or residents we represent are prepared to accept any erosion to the service offered and are extremely concerned that this may lead to closure in the future.

“We will be campaigning strongly against this which could have a really detrimental effect on the local environment and the council meeting landfill financial penalties which could well outstrip any savings.”

About 76 residents have already signed the e-petition, which can be found at the City of York Council website, york.gov.uk