THOUSANDS of North Hampshire residents who use a tip from a neighbouring county will now have to pay for that privilege, as plans for a new site are scrapped.

In recent years, 5,000 people living on the border have been using the waste recycling centre in Newbury, as part of an arrangement between Hampshire County Council and West Berkshire Council.

But on August 2, this arrangement will come to an end and those affected in places such as Burghclere, Newton, Highclere, Penwood will have to pay for access to the site.

The change was announced at the county council’s economy, transport and environment decision day yesterday.

Director of economy, transport and environment, Paul Laughlin, said: ‘West Berkshire Council has announced an intention to introduce a per-visit charge for non-residents.

‘Due to the effects of the pandemic a 12-month extension was agreed for continued access last year.’

The transitional arrangement was first implemented in 2016, costing Hampshire County Council  £175,000 per year.

In July 2020, it was recommended that the arrangement was terminated, with the two councils opting to split the costs 50/50 for the following 12 months.

The county council had also been looking at sites to potentially build a new tip in north Hampshire, but these plans have fallen through.

Specifically, the council had been looking at the former Cottismore Nursery site and the old Wolverton Quarry.

‘Unfortunately both feasibility sites concluded that the financial and environmental impacts would be too great to take either site forward,’ Mr Laughlin added.

The county council also imposes charges for non-county residents to use tips, and will give a contribution of £10,000 to West Berkshire Council as part of the arrangement.

Mr Laughlin told councillors that he considered this to be the ‘best outcome’ for all parties involved.

Deputy council leader and executive lead member for economy, transport and environment, Cllr Rob Humby, was also in favour of this result, describing himself as ‘relieved’.

He said: ‘We have been looking at this issue – and not just at this site – for quite a few years now.

‘It has been a long process but we have got there now and will help to introduce the scheme.

‘I think we do now have a good agreement and it provides a position where people can still use those sites if they want to.’