A NEW Network Rail recycling and distribution centre in Westbury could create jobs in the town.

Network Rail already have a distribution facility next to the railway line on Stephenson Road, Westbury, but now plan to extend the site to include a recycling centre for old track materials.

The company gave a presentation to councillors and the public at a meeting on Monday night to outline its plans for the site.

Mavis Choong, spokesman for Network Rail, said: “If it is approved, the recycling centre will be one of three key track recycling centres where used track components and materials will be processed for re-use again on the railway network.

“This approach will significantly reduce Network Rail's carbon footprint as well as minimise waste and encourage recycling. More importantly, the centre will also offer potential employment opportunities to the community.

“Since the scheme was mooted we have been engaging the community, seeking their feedback on how our work or the centre will impact them.

“The feedback has been positive and Monday's town council meeting provided us with another opportunity to hear from the community.”

If the plans go ahead Network Rail have estimated that the centre will create between ten and 15 jobs, which could rise to 30 ‘depending on output’.

David Jenkins, Westbury Chamber of Commerce president and district councillor, welcomed the news but raised concerns about the amount of vehicles coming in and out of the site, which would be a maximum of 160 vehicles per week.

He said: “Any employment that comes into the town has to be a positive thing because we’ve lost our fair share of businesses in the last six months.

“With regards to how the centre will effect nearby residents I can’t comment because I haven’t seen the plans.

“What I will say is that if HGVs are coming in and out of the site what might have to be considered is that the old bridge is due to have a weight restriction, which would mean vehicles coming through Yarnbrook.”

A weight limit has yet to be enforced on the bridge but Network Rail and Wiltshire County Council are currently discussing the issue.

Network Rail will be submitting a planning application for the centre in the next two weeks.