IT HAS come to my attention through social media that Hampshire County Council are introducing a charge to residents of other councils to use their waste recycling centres, which I can understand and is quite commendable.

However, I am now aware that as a resident of Hampshire I must register my vehicles or face a £5 charge every time I use a waste facility.

The charge will take place in 2020; the earliest I could register was Thursday, December 19 – not much time for everyone to register this close to New Year.

I have contacted my local MP Dr Julian Lewis and he has asked Cllr Rob Humby on my behalf to reply in detail to the points I have raised, which include:

No one I know has had any communication regarding this new charge, so how were we going to find out; would it be when the first £5 bill comes through the letterbox? I only found out through social media.

On reading the article, it gives details of the Hampshire website to register on, but this is only all very well if you have internet access and know about this scheme.

I'd like the county council to reveal the cost via our council tax how much this scheme will cost us annually.

I'd also ask them how much they income they expect to receive from this scheme.

Overall, I have great concerns about the way this matter is being handled by the council and I’m sure this will cause a large number of residents, especially the elderly amongst us, a deal of distress.

This scheme, although commendable, does not seem to have been too well thought out.

It will not deter fly tipping, and instead will encourage it.

Clive Bartlett

Marchwood