Barnoldswick’s household waste recycling centre has been spared the axe – thanks to the efforts of West Craven’s county councillor.

The Barnoldswick site, on West Close Road, is to remain open after an emergency meeting of councillors.

All 23 sites across Lancashire were up for scrutiny in an attempt to achieve almost £2 million in efficiency savings.

Councillors put the case for their own recycling centres, but eventually four sites were selected for closure.

“There’s no way I was going to let them close our centre,” said Coun Keith Bailey, who represents West Craven.

“We all rely on this great service. I use it myself on a regular basis and the staff are so helpful. I class it as a front line service.”

The four sites to close are in St Annes, Rufford, near Southport, Padiham and Langho. “Closing these centres won’t be doing our carbon footprint any good,” said Coun Bailey.

“Although more recycling is now being done kerbside, these centres are there for the bigger items you can’t get in your wheelie bins.”