CUTS to the opening times of tips in Gloucestershire could increase fly-tipping say angered residents and councillors.

The reduced council tip opening times came into force on Monday and Fosse Cross recycling centre near Cirencester will now close on Tuesdays, in a move Gloucestershire County Council says will save money.

Lib Dem Councillors Paul Hodgkinson and Jenny Forde visited the tip on Tuesday, October 30, as it closed for the first time.

“In just ten minutes, seven fuming people had to go home with their rubbish due to the new cuts to hours,” Cllr Hodgkinson said.

Lib Dem leader for Cotswold District Council Cllr Joe Harris described the cuts as ‘extremely frustrating’ and is concerned that fly-tipping in the area will increase.

Another resident told the paper: “This will probably lead to more fly tipping which will cost the council to collect and process.”

Additionally, the on the days that the tips will open, the hours will be reduced to 10am to 4pm until March next year.

But a Gloucestershire County Council spokesperson said that the reduction in hours reflected the 30 per cent reduction in use that they experience each winter, as nights draw in and evenings become darker.

The county council officers also believe that the move will provides over £200,000 to help them balance its budgets.

However, Cllr Simon Pickering, of Gloucestershire Waste Partnership is confused by the approach the county council has taken.

“If finances are the issue why don’t the cabinet take a more entrepreneurial approach and open a tip shop, perhaps in partnership with a local charity, splitting the profits from the resell of usable goods,” Cllr Pickering said.

“This could bring in thousands of pounds a week and stimulate the circular economy.”

Other councillors have confirmed that Cotswold District Council and Stroud District Council were not formally consulted about the move.

Cllr Sue Coakley, cabinet member for environment at CDC said: “We were informed about the changes, but not formally consulted as the sites are run by the County Council. We understand that they are having to cut back on opening hours to save money.”

Cllr Nigel Moor, cabinet member responsible for household recycling centres at GCC, said: “I would like to reassure residents that we have considered a wide range of options.

“We need to make sure taxpayers’ money is spent wisely, while making sure our household recycling centres are open when people need them.

“This change provides over £200,000 to support a frontline service – whilst we’ve made sure there’s always a recycling centre available by varying opening days across the county.”

Cllr Sue Coakley, cabinet member for environment at CDC: “We were informed about the changes, but not formally consulted as the sites are run by the County Council. We understand that they are having to cut back on opening hours to save money. The new opening hours ensure that the sites are open at the most popular times, including both weekends and Bank Holiday Mondays. Whilst it is disappointing that the Fosse Cross site will be closed on Tuesdays in future, we do understand the rationale for the changes which reflect current practice in other counties such as Wiltshire.