A HARTLEY Wintney recycling centre is another target at risk of closure, because of cuts forced on Hampshire County Council.

A 10-week consultation is under way, with the council asking residents how it should deal with a £98million shortfall. Shaking up the management of the county’s 24 household waste recycling centres (HWRC) is just one of the drastic measures under consideration.

The council’s consultation document points to the Hartley Wintney recycling centre as one of eight, which are most expensive to run, per tonne of waste.

Proposals include reducing opening hours – or days – and closing smaller, less busy sites. Either of those plans could put the Hartley Wintney depot in the drop zone.

The local centre received 5,745 tonnes of waste in 2014-15. By comparison Farnborough – one of the busiest dumps in the area – processed 13,952 tonnes.

At the start of the consultation process, councillor Sean Woodward, executive member for economy, transport and environment, who has since stepped down from his post, said: “The county council had been planning to make savings to meet a £98million funding shortfall by April 2017, but when the Government announced its funding plans for local authorities for the next three years, Hampshire lost £48million more this year than we anticipated.

“It is, therefore, vital that we make sure the resources we have in Hampshire are focused on where they can make the most impact, and how we deal with Hampshire’s waste is part of this.

“We need to establish how we can run the HWRC service with a much smaller budget in a way that is financially sustainable for Hampshire council taxpayers in the long term.”

Hampshire has a high number of HWRCs compared to other areas across the country.

Mr Woodward added: “This consultation is a genuine opportunity for people to tell us how they think a more affordable model can be established.

“I would urge Hampshire residents to take part in this consultation and help us define an affordable service, which works for them.

“No decisions will be made until we have looked at all the evidence and taken people’s views into consideration.”

Mr Woodward handed over his council roles to Mel Kendal, who is currently cabinet member for income and capital receipts. He will now include economic development in his brief.

Rob Humby, who is currently assistant to the executive, will become executive member for environment and transport.

To view the consultation and respond see the website at www.hants.gov.uk/hwrc2016.