ADDITIONAL capacity will be made available at tips in Hampshire to deal with the aftermath of flooding and stormy weather.

Hampshire County Councils, which runs the Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs), say they are prepared for an increase in garden waste and bulky wood items, such as fence panels and posts.

The Basingstoke centre in Wade Road is one of 24 across Hampshire.

Councillor Sean Woodward, executive member for economy, transport and environment, said: “Our aim is to help Hampshire’s communities get bank on their feet as soon as possible after the storms and flooding.

“Repairing the damage to the highway network and ensuring businesses are aware of potential support available following Government announcements this week, are some of the priority areas we will be tackling.

“Meanwhile, we understand that people need to get on with their day-to-day lives, and we want to help them do this as quickly and easily as possible. Putting more capacity at HWRCs will mean residents can get in and out easily during busy times.”

All centres, except Alresford, have a container for mixed wood, and larger branches of up to one metre in length can be placed in this container.