WAVERLEY leader Julia Potts has voiced “real concerns” fly tipping will increase following changes to community recycling centres (CRC) due to be implemented from December 4.

Surrey County Council’s (SCC) cabinet agreed in September to axe the free daily allowance of chargeable non-household waste, such as rubble, plasterboard and soil.

At some CRCs, residents will also have to prove they live in Surrey in order to dispose of their rubbish.

Further restrictions come into force from January 8, 2018, when opening hours at most CRCs will be reduced and vans, trailers and pick-ups will not be allowed into all sites.

SCC say the changes will enable it “to make savings while still maintaining a comprehensive service for Surrey residents”, but borough councillors fear it will lead to more illegal dumping.

Responding to concerns raised by Waverley’s ‘watchdog’ environment and overview scrutiny committee at Waverley’s last executive meeting, Miss Potts said: “I have real concerns about fly tipping. I know the borough council is liaising with its contractors so it can be very clear when reporting incidents to our Surrey colleagues.

“At the moment, we are all convinced fly tipping is happening but we need more robust data to back up our case.

“We are all seeing fly tipping across the borough. We have got some ways, including mobile CCTV, of becoming more robust to make sure it incidents are actioned and we are drawing on more officers.”‘