TIPS across Hampshire will remain open during the second lockdown.

Hampshire County Council have confirmed that Basingstoke's Wade Road Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC), and Andover's Scott Close site, will join the other 22 dumps across the county in remaining open.

Tips were forced to close in March during the first lockdown - and when they opened in May, roads surrounding the sites were jammed as residents descended.

It forced civic chiefs to introduce a booking system.

But Cllr Rob Humby, HCC's executive member for economy, transport and enviroment, has confirmed that the facilities will remain open during the national lockdown that is due to get underway from Thursday.

Non-essential shops will close, in addition to hospitality venues such as pubs and restaurants.

He said: "I’m really pleased we’ve got absolute clarity from the Government and for this lockdown, the national guidance defines waste services as essential.

"It’s also good news that the Government has said that construction is not expected to close operations down.

“We’ve put in place a booking system at the HWRCs which has been operating well for some time now, and social distancing measures to ensure each of our sites is able to operate in a COVID safe way, so I am confident we will be able to continue offering this service for Hampshire residents as the country enters into the next lockdown period.”

Cllr Humby also confirmed that improvement works on Hampshire's roads will continue, adding: "It’s business as usual for our work to improve Hampshire’s road network.

"With an anticipated drop in traffic, we’ll make good use of this quieter time on the roads to press ahead with improvements across the county."

You can book a slot to a HWRC in Hampshire up to seven days in advance, by visiting the HCC website or phoning 02380 179949.