AN Alton man, concerned that cuts to Hampshire’s household waste recycling centre service could be “the thin end of the wedge”, has launched an online petition calling on people to ‘Save Alton’s Recycling Centre’.

More than 1,400 people have signed the petition since its launch on October 1, concerned that cuts to opening hours, to come into force on January 1, will not only result in an escalation in fly-tipping but could pave the way for further cuts following the county council elections next May.

Leading the campaign, John Pritchard believes that it is vital for people to be aware that this service could be under threat and to pre-empt any further cuts by fighting to keep what they have.

Mr Pritchard, chairman of the Alton Allotment Association, fears “the writing may be on the wall” for Alton, despite a decision by the county council in July to retain the entire network of 24 recycling centres in favour of reduced opening hours across the board.

Brought about by a need to meet a £98m funding shortfall by 2017, with £14.7m to be met from the economy, transport and environment department’s budget, the consultation concluded that as from January 1 all waste recycling centres would open from 11am to 4pm in the winter and from 11am to 6pm during the summer (from April 1) for six days per week, but not on Thursdays.

Furthermore, while there are to be no changes or charges for normal household waste, charges have been introduced for those items that are more difficult to dispose of, such as soil and rubble. The sites have also been opened up to trade waste, on a chargeable basis, and a charge is to be levied on residents from outside Hampshire using the facility.

In acknowledging that the county council is currently outstripping other local authorities in household waste ecycling provision, Mr Pritchard points out that the legal requirement is for the provision of one site per district. While East Hampshire currently has three centres – in Alton, Bordon and Petersfield – his concern is, following the election, that situation could change.

Mr Pritchard’s fears were further fuelled by a recent BBC South Inside Out programme that highlighted the growing “scourge” of fly-tipping in the south of England – a problem being exacerbated by cuts to waste disposal provision, an increase in the cost of recycling for trades people, and less rubbish going into landfill sites.

He points out that East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) leader Ferris Cowper had expressed similar concerns that, as well as fly-tipping damaging the environment, the district council was having to bear the cost of clearing up fly-tipping sites, while the county council had to pay for the disposal – a cost ultimately borne by taxpayers.

Said Mr Pritchard: “Most people want to act responsibly and if they have got waste will take it to the tip. We’ve got the recycling message, and if we have got an accessible facility we will recycle.”

With pressure on the county council to make more savings in the future, and determined to take a proactive stand against any further cuts to the waste disposal service, Mr Pritchard said: “The evidence shows that the threat to our household waste recycling centre has not gone away and, if in the future any tips have to close, I would rather it not be Alton.”

To view Mr Pritchard’s petition, visit you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/save-alton-s-recycling-centre-1.