Council 'determined' to roll out tip booking system

Some opposed to the proposed system said there are never any queues at Bridport's tip

A council said it is "determined" to introduce a new booking system for its 10 household tips in the autumn despite thousands being opposed to it.

Dorset Council said while its proposal has "generated significant public and political debate", it is the "most effective" way of maintaining its current service.

It said the system, which has been used successfully elsewhere, would help manage its sites and tackle illegal waste dumping.

"We understand that any change to a valued public service will raise concerns," Jon Andrews, the council's cabinet member for place services, said.

"But this booking system is not about restricting access - it's about protecting it.

"Other councils have already adopted similar systems with high levels of public satisfaction, and we believe this is the right step to ensure our recycling centres remain open, efficient, and accessible," the Liberal Democrat added.

The rollout of the new system will cost about £120,000 but the authority said it will save it £20,000 every year with no change to staffing levels.

Thousands of people signed a petition against introducing booking, saying that the tips are already operating well.

Conservative councillors Louie O'Leary and Gary Suttle will ask colleagues to support a rethink at a meeting on 10 July, which could lead to an approach for individual centres.

They will say that the way the decision was taken by the governing Lib Dem group was wrong and could lead to increased fly-tipping.

"We call on this council to scrap its proposed blanket tip appointment system and instead look at the situation centre by centre in consultation with ward members and the general public," they said in a statement.