PLANS to slash opening hours at Southampton's main recycling centre are set to be scrapped by civic chiefs.

Councillors agreed in 2016 to cut opening times at City Depot and Recycling Park by almost 20 hours a week.

However the proposals, which were meant to be introduced this month, are now set to be postponed indefinitely.

Bin bosses in Southampton say the change of heart follows a proposal by Hampshire County Council to close half of its 26 recycling centres - which could save the authority £1.3million a year.

City chiefs say the postponement will allow time to assess the impact Hampshire County Council budget savings may have on Southampton.

However, the city council has suggested it may still impose a cut to opening hours at a later date.

The decision to maintain the service, which currently operates from 9am to 4pm every day between October and April, will cost the authority more than £50,000 a year.

Councillors will discuss the proposal during a cabinet meeting later today.