Romsey recycling centre at risk of closure in county council plans

Casbrook Household Waste Recycling Centre in Timsbury is at risk of closing under Hampshire County Council’s proposal to save £132m.

The site in Bunny Lane, near Romsey, has been listed as one of the tier three locations as a smaller site that is “operationally challenging” and where investment would be needed to stay open.

To combat the budget shortfall, the county council is proposing either closing all the tier four sites such as Alresford and Bishop’s Waltham or tier four and three sites (which would include Casbrook) or keeping all the sites open.

READ MORE: Alresford residents protest plans to close town's tip

Cllr Sally Yalden, ward councillor for Ampfield and Braishfield, said: "It seems that many people are unaware of the ongoing consultation regarding the future of this vital site. It is widely known that Hampshire County Council is facing a £132 million deficit and bankruptcy by 2025 due to a lack of funding and support from the national government.

“This site has been a valuable asset to our community since the 1970s. It receives lots of praise for its friendly and helpful staff. It’s unimaginable that this site could be one of the waste sites to close. The nearest alternative site for us would be Winchester or Eastleigh. If more residents choose to dispose of items in their general waste bin, it's an affront to those who are trying to live more sustainably. 

“If the site were to close, the issue of fly-tipping would undoubtedly worsen. Startling data from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) reveals that Test Valley ranks as the third worst area for fly-tipping in Hampshire, just behind Southampton and Basingstoke and Deane. Shockingly, incidents of fly-tipping in Test Valley surged by 38.6 per cent in 2022/2023.”

The county council recognises that more people would be impacted if both tier three and four sites were shut but the authority says 93 per cent would still have a recycling centre within seven miles of their home.

Consultation sign at Casbrook (Image: Cllr Sally Yalden)

SEE ALSO: Hampshire County Council proposes closing tips to save money

Casbrook is one of seven tier-three sites, with others including Aldershot, Bordon, Hedge End, Marchwood, Petersfield and Somerley.

Meanwhile, tier four sites which are at a greater risk of closure due to being the “poorest performing” include Alresford, Bishop’s Waltham, Fair Oak, Hartley Wintney and Hayling Island.

As well as closing tips the council is considering introducing charges for discretionary services, implementing alternative delivery models, changes to the types of waste accepted and reducing the opening day or hours of centres.

A consultation is open until March 31. To comment go to the Hampshire County Council website or email email insight@hants.gov.uk, or write to Freepost Hampshire (writing PandO, IEU, FM09 on the back of the envelope), or call 0300 555 1375.