SOUTH Dorset's MP has come out in support of Swanage's threatened recycling centre.

As reported in the Daily Echo, residents have raised worries over the loss of the Panorama Road facility, which faces closure at the end of next year when the area is returned to nature.

The biggest concern is that locals would face a 20-mile round trip to Wareham to recycle their waste.

Now, Labour's Jim Knight has written to Dorset County Council backing calls for the centre to be saved.

He said: "Clearly a long trip in the car to Wareham would act as a disincentive to recycle and create additional problems for waste disposal in Wareham.

"It may also lead to an increase in fly-tipping in the Swanage area as residents may not know where to take their waste."

The county council said it was looking at several options for the future and Mr Knight said that could include a "mobile skip" service for Swanage.

He added: "The development of a new site in the Swanage area will involve a large financial injection from the council.

"It will, however, serve to continue the excellent service provision already provided - where the vast majority of Swanage residents live."

A county council spokesman said: "Discussions are continuing with Swanage Town Council and Purbeck District Council to try to find an appropriate and affordable solution for the town.

"No decision has been made yet and a report is set to go to the county council's cabinet in the autumn."

Mr Knight added: "Closing the site in Swanage will undoubtedly save the council money, but it will not be in the long-term interests of residents, who clearly want a local recycling facility, and rightly expect the council to support their efforts."