LIBERAL Democrat councillors will propose saving the community composting site at Thornbury at a meeting of South Gloucestershire’s Communities Committee on this evening (Wednesday 5).

The volunteer-run service had been at risk of being axed, but a proposal by Lib Dem Committee chairman, Claire Young, would see the composting site granted £10,000 in order for it to continue.

Cllr Claire Young said: “The council has to make big savings but where possible we want to work with communities to find different ways of doing things, rather than simply stopping services.

"Thornbury has a dedicated group of composting volunteers who have suggested a new way of running the site.

"£10,000 will allow this much valued service to continue for another year, giving the volunteers time to try out their ideas and identify alternative sources of income.”

Cllr Shirley Holloway (Lib Dem, Thornbury South and Alveston) said, “I know how hard the volunteers have worked to make this site a success. Composting the material on site helps the environment and people appreciate being able to buy locally produced compost.

“I think it’s important we give the group the support they need to see if they can make it sustainable.”

Cllr Young added, “While we all know that there have been a lot of tough budget cuts at the Council in recent years, the Lib Dems are committed to supporting local communities where we can.

“If Thornbury is successful, it could be a model for other communities interested in community composting. I hope that the other parties will support our proposal on Wednesday in order to save community composting in Thornbury.”