A recycling centre in the Rhondda is set to close after being blighted by vandalism and theft.
Gelli Community Recycling Centre (CRC), in Nant-Y-Gwyddon-Road, is being recommended for closure by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council officers.
A report said there has been a high number of break-ins and incidents of vandalism over the past five years – which has reduced the amount of services available.
And these ongoing problems make it less cost effective than other sites.
Officials say they have been able to upgrade Treherbert and Dinas CRCs because there is floor space available – but insisted they cannot do the same with the site in Gelli because of the surrounding land.
It is also claimed that the Gelli site is used less than the sites in Treherbert and Dinas – with only 100 tonnes per month being taken in compared with 400 and 700 tonnes in the case of the latter.
Following a consultation, a number of objections and concerns were raised about the closure – such as it could deter people from recycling because of the extra distance they would have to travel to the nearest centre.
Concerns were also raised about the the closure leading to an increase in fly-tipping in the area.
People also argued that, rather than close the site, the centre could have reduced opening hours or have alternative uses.
If Gelli is closed, the Rhondda Valley would be left with three remaining CRCs – Treherbert, Dinas and Ferndale.
