Recycling near castle is opposed

The council says the recycling area will not be visible from the castle

The vast majority of people at a public meeting on plans for a recycling park near Rhuddlan Castle in Denbighshire have objected to the proposals.

Vale of Clwyd MP Chris Ruane, who called the meeting, said of some 200 there, all but two voted against.

Mr Ruane said 76% of residents who responded to a questionnaire he issued said they supported recycling, but opposed the location of the park.

The plans site the unit about 600m (1,960ft) from the castle on the A525.

Mr Ruane said people wanted more information about the proposals and also about the five alternative sites.

About 30 people said they would establish an historical society for Rhuddlan and around two people said they would form an environmental association for the area.

Information sent to residents by Denbighshire Council explained the park would be used by the public to bring items like paper, glass, electrical goods and car batteries.

It would not be a tip, it said, and would not be used by traders. The rest of the land has been allocated as a country park.

There is a huge amount of interest and pride in Rhuddlan's Castle fascinating history Chris Ruane MP

Residents were told the recycling area would not be visible from the castle and the castle will be opened up as part of the country views.

It said that at the busiest periods, a maximum four lorries per day would leave the site.

Cadw has expressed "serious reservations" about the proposed development when consulted by Denbighshire Council, a Welsh Assembly Government spokesperson confirmed.

The spokesperson added: "Cadw considered it would have damaging impact on the setting of the castle, a scheduled ancient monument in the care of the assembly government.

'Interest and pride'

"The council has agreed to further consultation, which is yet to take place."

About 195 residents have responded to a questionnaire put out by Mr Ruane in December asking for people's views on the plans.

He said most supported recycling but more than two-thirds did not want a unit at the proposed site.

Mr Ruane said: "My survey also demonstrated that there is a huge amount of interest and pride in Rhuddlan Castle's fascinating history and a willingness to become involved in a local history and environment group to protect, preserve and enhance this beautiful village."

Other issues which residents raised included the lack of parking spaces and continued heavy traffic travelling into Rhuddlan from Dyserth and Meliden.