An Alton pub owner claims East Hampshire District Council’s proposed £12,000 per year bin storage charge could close it down.

Leycester Powys-Keck, of The Wheatsheaf in Market Square, said the problem also affected neighbouring Pizza Express, as both keep bins in the council’s Lady Place Car Park.

Mr Powys-Keck said: “We don’t own any land behind us. I have two bins and Pizza Express have loads. We’re facing possible closure or paying £1,000 a month. It’s another example of councils making life difficult for businesses.”

He said offers to build a fence around the bins, or build a wall around a parking space and put them in there, were rejected.

Mr Powys-Keck added: “They suggested taking out several spaces and charging us for the privilege of putting our bins there. But if us and Pizza Express close no-one will want to park there anyway.”

A council spokesperson said: “The bins are squeezed into a hatched area intended to be kept clear of obstruction. Occasionally the bins encroach on to the driving lane, which can be a hazard, plus they are emptied by a large bin lorry in limited space.

“Bin lorries degrade the surface of the car park quickly and the cost of resurfacing is put on the taxpayer. We are planning £60,000 worth of resurfacing works in that car park in October. The bins are also unsightly, too close to the premises and contribute to local pest issues.”

The spokesperson said discussions about moving the bins from the car park or granting a licence to keep them there had continued for 18 months.

They said the council would use “two or three” parking spaces to create a “more accessible” bin store, with the licence fee compensating the council for lost parking fees plus construction and car park maintenance costs.

Pizza Express was approached for comment.