A proposal to work in partnership with charities in order to improve textile recycling opportunities in Grantham was yesterday (Thurs) rejected by South Kesteven District Council.

The proposal was the idea of Coun Ashley Baxter, Independent Councillor for the Market and West Deeping Ward.

He suggested the council should install at least one textiles recycling bank on council-owned land in each of the four towns in the district.

Recycling rates have steadily fallen across South Kesteven and Lincolnshire over the last 10 years and the amount of contamination in the silver bins has risen to almost 30 percent.

SKDC offers no direct facility for recycling clothing, shoes and textiles preferring to advise people to drive to household recycling centres in Bourne and Grantham.

Coun Baxter comments: "Most people are aware of the problems of climate change and are trying to do their bit.

"My proposal would have increased recycling rates, reduced carbon emissions and generate income for charities and the council.

"It's a win-win-win-win! I am astonished that not a single Conservative voted in favour of it.

"All the Independents, Lib-Dems and Labour members voted in favour of the motion which was lost by 24 votes to 14."

The Salvation Army clothing company has collected more than 12 tonnes in the last year via recently installed textile banks in The Deepings and, like other charities, they are looking to extend their network of recycling facilities.

Unfortunately, as the district council is not working in partnership with the charities, none of the recycling counts towards the district's recycling targets.