CHANGES to opening hours at Hampshire’s rubbish tips could be delayed following a rethink about the controversial plans.

County council chiefs had been planning to cut opening hours at waste and recycling centres from January as part of a bid to save £98million.

However, the government has now pledged to take action against councils that charge residents for disposing of so-called DIY waste, something with which county council introduced from October 1.

Environment and transport boss Cllr Rob Humby will now consider delaying any further changes to household waste recycling centres (HWRCs) at his until decision day on November 3.

Cllr Humby said: “The government compels us to reduce running costs, but at the same time seems to want to micro-manage particular details of how we provide the service. In view of this uncertainty, I am considering delaying introducing any further changes.

“We know the county council’s HWRC service is efficient, well-used by residents and the most cost effective way to collect waste from Hampshire’s households.

"All the sites have an admirable recycling rate and Hampshire overall has an enviable record in the amount of waste diverted from landfill.

“We have left no stone unturned in finding ways to keep the HWRC service open as much as possible to residents while finding financial savings required by severe reductions in government funding.

“However, even though many councils have been charging for non household waste, or not even accepted it for some years, a recent government press statement has threatened our savings plans by suggesting they may change the rules.

“So far, in line with residents’ priority, we’ve managed to avoid closing any of Hampshire’s 24 HWRC sites, and made financial savings by other means.

“But, until we get some clarity from government ministers, we find ourselves in the perplexing position of potentially having to look again at our plans.

"In the meantime, it seems sensible to hold off bringing in any further changes.”