A SOUTHAMPTON MP has joined calls for the city council to dump proposals that could see a recycling park built by a beauty spot.

Test MP Alan Whitehead, pictured, has written to the council to object to the relocation of waste services from Town Depot to a field off Test Lane South.

The council has launched a £250,000 study into the feasibility of building a new recycling centre and depot for council rubbish trucks on the 15-acre council plot. Six privately owned sites are also being looked at.

Mr Whitehead said a move to Test Lane would increase congestion and fly-tipping in the area and leave a “no recycling zone” for residents living near the centre of the city.

The council says Town Depot is not fit for purpose and wants to sell the site.

Meanwhile, Redbridge ward councillor Cathie McEwing, who presented a residents’ petition opposing the use of Test Lane, has accused Cllr Dean of “changing his mind”.

Cllr Dean told a public meeting that Test Lane was the only council site being considered – although he refused to rule out a plot at Monks Brook. He later said it was not Tory policy to build in Monks Brook, land earmarked by Labour and Lib Dems for a gypsy and traveller transit site.