A LIBERAL Democrat councillor has condemned cuts to a waste and recycling service which will effect residents in Tadley and Baughurst. 


Previously residents living in these areas could use recycling facilities in Padworth and Newtown, due to an agreement between Hampshire County Council and West Berkshire Council, but now this agreement has been cut to make savings in spendings. 


Basingstoke and Deane Borough councillor, Cllr Mike Bound said this decision is ‘outrageous’ and forcing residents to drive 10 miles to the nearest facilities is not a good alternative. 


He said: “It will be virtually impossible for anyone in 9-5 jobs to use the council run waste facility in Wade Road on week days. 


“It’s not green at all to have to travel 20 miles on a round trip to drop off waste anyway. 


“On top of that many people who don’t have a car or other suitable vehicle to use will be hit by a 10 per cent rise in the charge for the council run bulky waste collection service. 


“For years now I have been arguing that Tadley and Baughurst needs its own recycling centre.” 


Previously the county council had been paying small instalments to West Berkshire council to allow Hampshire residents the use of their facilities. 


However, the country council is planning to save £98million of its expenditure by 2017, and they see the £200,000 estimated cost to allow residents to use the Padworth and Newtown sites as a significant cost which could not be ignored. 


Cabinet member for economy, transport and environment at the county council, Cllr Sean Woodward said every area of spending is being looked at very closely. 


He said: “We need to save £1.2million from the £10.9million we spend on Household Waste Recycling Centre’s each year. 


“With the estimated cost of some Hampshire residents using West Berkshire’s facilities rising to £200,000 this year, while there is alternative provision nearby, this was a significant cost that could not be ignored.”