RESIDENTS and councillors have hit out at the council for introducing a new booking system for the tip which is described as "harder to win than the lottery”.

One councillor revealed she tried to book a slot at Basingstoke Household Recycling Centre 152 times – but was unsuccessful.

Hampshire County Council, who managed the Wade Road site, recently introduced the measures in a bid to reduce queues.

But town councillors say they’ve been inundated with complaints from residents who have been unable to book appointments.

Cllr Jane Frankum (Labour, Basingstoke North) told The Gazette: "Residents have been referring to securing a slot to winning a lottery ticket.

"Residents have had no end of trouble getting slots online. It really is hit and miss with Basingstoke Recycling Centre."

The changes mean residents can no longer turn up unannounced to drop of their waste and have to wait to get an approved slot through the authority’s website.

But Cllr Frankum said it hasn’t been easy, she said one resident has only just been able to secure a slot this month after trying for weeks.

Cllr Frankum said: "The community is up in arms about seeing rubbish left outside their homes, but what can you do if you can't secure a slot? It's a mess and I know they are reviewing it."

The Labour politician added she was aware the county council is trying to improve it but there is a "long way to go". 

Her feelings were echoed by Cllr Kim Taylor (Labour, Brighton Hill) who said she's had similar complaints for residents.

Cllr Taylor said: "I did an experiment two weeks ago over five days in response to lots of complaints from resident about the recycling centre. During that period, there was no slots available online.

"I was reassured at full council that action was being taken to improve the situation. I have tried 152 times to book a slot but to no avail."

She added: "It's frustrating for me as a user and for residents who cannot book online and have no other option but to travel to Winchester recycling centre."

Cllr Taylor said she knew of at least five cases of people trying to call up at 9am but not being successful.

"Most people are complimentary about Winchester tip but they want to use their local services," she added.

Hampshire County Counciul has been contacted for comment. 

The changes to Basingstoke’s tip come as HCC made the decision to stop allowing North Hampshire residents who live on the West Berkshire border to use the centre in Newbury.

This means from August 1, nearly 5,000 extra residents will have to travel to Basingstoke or Andover to dispose of their waste which local councillors fear will put added pressure onto the already overstretched booking system.

Cllr Hayley Eachus, who is responsible for waste at Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, has written to the unitary authority to ask them to reconsider.

She said: “We have asked Hampshire County Council and West Berkshire Council – who are responsible for Household Waste Recycling Centres - to rethink this decision and find a solution that meets the needs of our residents in the north of the borough, reduces unnecessary travel and supports our Climate Emergency targets to be a carbon neutral borough by 2030.” 

To book a slot at your local tip, visit https://www.hants.gov.uk/wasteandrecycling/recyclingcentres/book-appointment.