Published: Friday, 19th September, 2008 5:08pm

Flying arrow forces waste centre closure

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VICIOUS thugs have forced West Berkshire Council to close the Paice's Hill waste recycling centre at Aldermaston this weekend.

Police were called to the centre at Paices Hill earlier this week after an arrow was fired into the compound, narrowly missing members of staff and residents dumping their rubbish.

It is the latest in a number of incidents of vandalism and threatening behaviour at the site. Police plan to examine the arrow next week but the centre will remain closed until further notice.

Cllr Geoff Findlay, West Berkshire's executive member for environment and waste said: "We regret any inconvenience to residents that the closure of the site may cause. However, we must put safety first at all times and that is why this difficult decision has been taken.

"The police are aware of the situation and every effort has been made to resolve these issues, but I am sorry to say that as the threatening and abusive behaviour has continued - we are simply not prepared to put site staff or residents at risk by keeping the site open."

Inspector Andy Ward, from Thames Valley Police, said: "We are actively investigating an incident at the site and are working with council to ensure that it is not repeated."

The Pinchington Lane recycling centre in Newbury is open as usual but West Berkshire residents can log on to www.recyclenow.com and type in their postcode to find out their nearest centre.

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