PR 2450
REVISED WINTER OPENING HOURS FOR RECYCLING CENTRES
Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) across Hampshire will be closing at 4pm every day from Monday (14 November).
New guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) states that councils should `consider changing operational hours in line with seasonal natural light levels in relation to slips and trips' and that use of civic amenity sites `should only be carried out in daylight or in adequately illuminated areas in twilight or dark conditions'.
The change - 30 minutes earlier than the previous winter closing time - has been agreed by Hampshire County Council's Executive Member for Environment, Cllr Tim Knight.
Cllr Knight said: "We've decided that an earlier closing time should be implemented for the time being while further investigation is carried out. This is considered preferable to providing artificial lighting as it would have to be at a very high level - to avoid potential hazards associated with shadows and contrasting light - and would therefore be very intrusive in some locations, and also not good value for money for such a short time extension.
"Our HWRCs are extremely popular, with up to four million visitors each year and 250,000 tonnes of waste. We clearly have to take into serious consideration this revised guidance from the HSE. I do appreciate that the earlier closing time will be a bit less convenient, but I'm sure people will understand the reason why."
A report setting out a recommendation for any permanent change to winter opening hours will be considered in the spring, following an evaluation of the impact on users. Summer opening hours remain unaffected.
ENDS
For further media information please contact: Sarette Martin on 01962 847666 sarette.martin@hants.gov.uk