SHORTENED opening hours and a ban on all non-household waste such as DIY waste, gas bottles and car tyres at Farnham’s rubbish tip will come into force on April 1.

The changes were decided by the county council’s cabinet last November after residents were given the opportunity to feed back their thoughts on a range of cost saving options.

As a result the opening hours at Surrey’s 15 community recycling centres (CRCs) including Bourne Mill in Farnham will be reduced to:

• 8am to 4pm, weekdays.

• 9am to 4pm, weekends.

The Bourne Mill CRC will also close on Thursdays, which Surrey County Council says is its least busy day, and no longer accept non-household waste.

Anyone wishing to drop off tyres, large gas bottles and larger loads of non-household waste such as rubble and plasterboard can do so at Petworth Road, Witley, or Wilton Road, Camberley, although charges will apply.

People dumping waste at tips across Surrey may also be asked for their ID from April 1, to check they live in Surrey, have a van permit where appropriate and are not using CRCs for business waste.

The county council says the changes are necessary to enable it “to make critical savings while still maintaining a comprehensive service for residents”.

Last November, cabinet members resolved to create a new post to clamp down on fly-tipping in response to public concern the changes could lead to an increase in fly-tipping.

The new post will help co-ordinate the work of existing enforcement agencies in Surrey to share intelligence and provide a focal point for anti-tipping measures.

Commending the changes, Surrey’s cabinet member for environment Mike Goodman said: “We have listened to what people have told us and while we need to make savings due to the huge financial pressures we face, we have been able to put forward proposals which maintain a full network of community recycling centres.

“By fitting opening hours around demand we will achieve better value for money from these centres and ensure we continue to offer a high-quality service.”

However, the Liberal Democrats condemned the Conservative-run council’s decision as “flawed”.

Hazel Watson, leader of the Lib Dem opposition said: “The county council’s consultation only gave unacceptable options but did not give an option of keeping the tips unchanged.

“Residents said that reduced opening hours would make it more difficult for them to dispose of their waste and to recycle. This is bound to increase fly-tipping which is already a big problem in Surrey and is getting worse.”

For more information visit the website www.surreycc.gov.uk/recycling or call 03456 009 009.