A town’s recycling site is not set to shut permanently, despite worries over its future, Angus Council has said.
The Kirriemuir site is set to close for two months, starting next week, while “essential repair works and maintenance” is carried out.
Residents wanting to use the facility will have to travel to Forfar to deposit their recycling waste.
The work carried out during the temporary closure will cost the council £36,455 and is the latest in a long line of temporary closures over the past year.
Questions have now been raised over the long-term future of the site.
However, the council says some of the reasons behind the previous temporary works and closures were out of its control and it has pledged there are no plans to permanently close the site.
Councillor Donald Morrison, convenor of the authority’s neighbourhood services committee, said: “I am not aware of any plans to close the centre permanently.
“The council is investing in it and nothing along these lines has been mentioned to elected members.
“I appreciate the disruption the closure of the recycling centre will cause for people living in and outside the burgh while resurfacing and better access work is carried out and I can only apologise for this.
“However, the three ward councillors and myself are working with the council officers to mitigate the disruption for the residents of Kirriemuir and the outlying areas.”
The centre will be closed for two months from Thursday August 8 and will reopen on Monday October 7 while the work, including the construction of ramps, is carried out.
The site was previously closed for tree trimming, a gas leak and road resurfacing over the past year.
Dave Milne, chairman of Kirriemuir Community Council, said: “I think the first time it closed for a long period of time there was an upgrade carried out that was needed,” he said.
“The second time, they upgraded the road and way in, which needed repaired.
“I think people have been complaining about ease of access now into the skips. It seems it may be difficult for elderly or less able people.
“If it’s getting upgraded I don’t see how anyone can complain. It seems a long period of time but it’s to let the concrete set and cure, which is fair enough.
“Concerns about the frequency of the closures have never been brought to our attention at the community council but I assume people just go straight to the access office if they have an issue.
“Personally, I would think it’s a short term problem having to drive to Forfar. If you are going to be using the recycling centre you are probably going to be driving anyway.
“Obviously the extra 10 miles or so is an inconvenience but I see it is a short-term loss for a long-term gain.”
A spokeswoman for the council said: “Customers are asked to use Forfar recycling centre where additional resources will be deployed to cope with the anticipated increased level of activity.
“Residents can also contact the council’s ACCESSLine on 08452 777778 or visit the A-Z at www.angus.gov.uk for more information on recycling centres in Angus.
“The cost to the up and coming work is £36,455.80 (capital expenditure) and the cost for the maintenance work in 2012 was £9,591.16.
“I can also confirm that no discussions have taken place about the proposed closure of the centre.”