WE READ in the Andover Advertiser of the imminent new waste disposal charges for the disposal of DIY and construction waste at our local household waste and recycling centre.

In the Andover Advertiser it is reported: • A council chief has slammed fly-tippers who dumped large piles of rubbish at two Test Valley beauty spots; • Cllr Graham Stallard described the act as “absolute disgraceful”; • Cllr Rob Humby, executive member for environment and transport at HCC states “dealing with fly-tipping is a huge drain on public sector resources”.

Then why the increase for disposal of DIY and construction waste?

It is perfectly obvious that the introduction of the new charges will exacerbate flytipping, causing an even greater drain on public sector resources.

Opening hours should be extended at the Hampshire waste centres, not decreased.

Cllr Humby suggests residents hire a skip for waste removal to overcome these problems. Many residents have barely enough room to park a car, let alone a skip.

We are embarrassed and ashamed in witnessing litter and fly-tipping. This has become more prevalent in recent times and will become increasingly so, because of our local council’s stance on extra charges and decreased opening hours at Andover’s HWRC.

These measures will not be cost-cutting introductions.

On the contrary, waste disposal costs will spiral.

Cllr Tony Hooke, who is opposed to the changes, is correct when he says the cost of fly-tipping will have to be picked up by Test Valley Borough Council and us, as council tax payers.

We can remember July 46 years ago when there was a strike by council dustbin men and rubbish was dumped outside the council offices in Bridge Street. We wouldn’t be surprised if the same thing happened again.

Richard and Jean Prosser