NONE of Hampshire’s recycling centres are set to be thrown on the scrapheap thanks to an overwhelming show of public support.

County council chiefs had proposed shutting household waste recycling centres as part of a £1million package of cuts.

But nearly two-thirds (63 per cent) of 6,400 people who responded to a public consultation on the measures opposed any closures.

Now council officers are recommended that councillors vote to keep all the county’s household waste recycling centres open.

Sixty-six per cent of people were against introducing charges for the general public to use household waste recycling centres because of concerns over fly-tipping. People also argued that they already paid for the service in their council tax.

A total of 43 per cent agreed that opening hours should change yet reducing opening hours was an unpopular option and many wanted to keep weekend and evening provision.

Eighty nine per cent agreed with plans to work more closely with charities and voluntary organisations to maximise reuse by selling items on or giving them to needy people, therefore reducing the amount of material going for treatment and disposal.

Forty four per cent agreed with better controls to keep out trade waste and 69 per cent were for the idea of businesses paying disposal fees.

The county council’s own report said: “The consultation showed that residents value their local sites.

“Any considerations of cost savings should be balanced by the needs and desires of local residents.

“Taking into account the consultation response it is recommended that no household waste recycling centres are closed.”

Select committee The plans will now go before select committee tomorrow before recommendations are finalised on Tuesday, November 4.

Select committee chairman Councillor Sharyn Wheale said: “These options are being closely scrutinised to make sure they represent not only the views of those who responded but also provide a value for money service within the required savings.

“The county council has had to make substantial savings over the past few years through its transformation and efficiency programme and the household waste recycling centres service is no exception to this, so finding a balance between public demand and the need to make financial savings is going to be a tough decision.”