ALTON Liberal Democrat John Pritchard has handed over a petition containing 3,500 signatures in a bid to save Alton’s recycling centre from potential closure.

Mr Pritchard handed over the document to Rob Humby, Hampshire County Council’s executive member for environment and transport last Thursday.

The petition was raised after reports that the county council may have to close half of its recycling centres in order to bridge a £140m budget gap.

Handing the petition over, Mr Pritchard said: “The residents of Alton and the surrounding villages wish to send a strong message that Alton’s recycling centre is a vital service. It does a good job and must remain open free at the point of use.”

While it remains uncertain which of the 26 sites across the county may close as part of the budget shortfall, Mr Humby confirmed that Hampshire County Council was lobbying the Government to be allowed to charge all users of the remaining centres.

Expressing his concern at such extra “tip taxes”, Mr Prtichard added: “While some may pay to use the tip others will not, and that can only lead to more fly-tipping.”