Plan for booking system at waste recycling centres is criticised by MP
A plan to introduce a booking system at the household waste recycling centres in Louth and Tattershall Thorpe has been criticised by the area’s MP.
Lincolnshire County Council is set to launch pre-booked time slots at all of its 11 waste tips across the county – in response to rising demand.
Figures presented to councillors show that visits to the recycling centres now total about 1.2 million every year, with waste volumes increasing significantly in recent years.
Therefore the council feels the booking system is necessary to address congestion and improve safety, including at the centres at the Fairfield Industrial Estate on Bolingbroke Road in Louth and on Kirkby Kane in Tattershall Thorpe.
However, Victoria Atkins, Conservative MP for Louth and Horncastle, is strongly opposed to the proposal, warning it would “penalise working people” and make everyday tasks unnecessarily difficult.
Ms Atkins said: “People in Lincolnshire expect straightforward access to essential services such as their local tip.
"For many, especially those working long or irregular hours, the flexibility to dispose of waste when it suits them is vital.
"A rigid booking system would take that flexibility away and add an unnecessary layer of bureaucracy."
The MP has written to Coun Sean Matthews, the leader of the Reform UK-run council, demanding that the plan is scrapped and urging his party to find a new solution.
She went on: “It’s a bit rich of Reform to reduce services at the same time as raising taxes, breaking their pre-election promises.
"No-one disputes that queues and traffic issues need tackling at some of the tip sites. But introducing a booking system is the wrong answer.
"It risks excluding those without easy access to digital booking systems and could discourage responsible waste disposal.”
The MP also raised concerns that limiting access could inadvertently lead to an increase in fly-tipping, placing further pressure on local communities and public services.
The proposal is due to be considered by the council’s executive committee on Tuesday, July 14.
Ms Atkins has urged councillors to listen carefully to public concerns before making a final decision.
As well as Louth and Tattershall Thorpe, there are household recycling centres at Boston, Bourne, Gainsborough, Grantham, Lincoln, Market Rasen, Skegness, Sleaford and Spalding.