The recycling and rubbish tip has come under threat in a raft of cost cutting proposals from East Renfrewshire Council (ERC).

The public consultation on the controversial budget ended in December, but not before the petition bearing the names, addresses and signatures of almost 1,300 Barrhead residents was handed to ERC.

The petition was organised after it emerged in November that the amenity site was under threat.

After it was reported in The News, more dedicated locals decided to take action in a bid to ensure the closure does not go ahead.

Rena McGuire, volunteer and secretary of Barrhead Community Council, said: “The amenity site is always very busy and is well used by many Barrhead residents, especially given that bin uplifts only happen on a fortnightly basis.

“This is reflected in the petition and the sheer number of people who were more than willing to sign it.

“The petition was lodged at the council headquarters, there was 1297 names lodged.

“With a covering letter stating that all names, addresses, and signatures were included and should be accepted as 1297 individuals and not as one objection.” The Carlibar Road site would represent a £200,000 saving for cash strapped ERC, who have been forced to find a way to plug a £20 million funding hole.

Services across the board have come under threat, most notably in services to the elderly which would see meals on wheels dropped, day care centres lose funding and the sale of Bonnyton House to a private operator.

Should Barrhead Amenity site get the axe, residents face a 10 mile round trip to the nearest facility on the outskirts of Newton Mearns, Greenhags Recycling Centre in Newton Mearns.

Elected members of the local authority will vote on the proposals in February after considering the results of the public consultation.