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Residents ‘Resort to Subterfuge’ to Use Nearest Tips Across County Borders Amid Lengthy Travel Restrictions

Residents of Gloucestershire are reportedly “resorting to subterfuge” by borrowing cars and number plates from people in neighboring counties just to access their nearest household recycling centres. This issue of restrictive county borders forcing long journeys to tips was highlighted at a Gloucestershire County Council meeting this week.

In the Newent division, residents are currently barred from using the tips located in nearby Ledbury and Ross, Herefordshire, instead facing a 34-mile round trip to reach a Gloucestershire site.

Councillor Gill Moseley (LD, Newent) addressed the environment scrutiny committee on July 8, explaining that the booking system introduced during the coronavirus pandemic has prevented Gloucestershire residents from using the more conveniently located Herefordshire tips. She urged Shire Hall officials to negotiate with Herefordshire Council to establish an agreement permitting her constituents to access tips in Ledbury and Ross.

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“The Herefordshire tips in Ledbury and Ross lie just a few miles from many of my residents,” said Cllr Moseley. “But since Covid lockdowns made bookings mandatory, out-of-county residents have been denied access. Consequently, many must travel 34 miles round trip instead of a short journey down the road.”

She further highlighted similar cross-border challenges involving South Gloucestershire tips. “Has there been any progress in negotiating access there? Surely enabling this would promote sustainability,” she added.

Cllr Moseley emphasized the environmental downside, stating, “Forcing people to drive 34 miles is counterproductive. It discourages proper tipping, leads to illegal dumping, or, as I’ve been informed, even causes residents to use other people’s cars and plates to bypass restrictions—practices we do not want.”

Sarah Danson, Gloucestershire’s head of environment and waste, acknowledged that talks with Herefordshire on this issue have stalled for over a year but signaled willingness to resume discussions. She also mentioned recent talks with South Gloucestershire regarding their booking system, with plans for further dialogue in September.

Gloucestershire maintains a successful cross-border arrangement with Warwickshire, allowing North Cotswold residents access to Warwickshire tips for a fee, which serves as a model for potential agreements.

Martin Horwood, cabinet member for nature, climate, and waste reduction, labeled the current situation “a nonsense,” stressing the importance of collaboration between councils to solve it.

“It is far more environmentally responsible for residents to use their nearest recycling sites,” Horwood stated. “I am fully committed to engaging with neighboring counties to resolve this.”

A spokesperson for South Gloucestershire Council emphasized their intent to cooperate with adjacent authorities while ensuring value for money for local taxpayers. Meanwhile, Herefordshire Council has yet to comment on the matter.

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