VERWOOD, St Leonards, and Alderholt residents who use the tip at Somerley could be forced to fork out to use it if new proposals are given the go-ahead.

The plan to introduce a charge is part of a number of options being put forward by the Dorset Waste Partnership (DWP), which involves seven councils, including Dorset County Council and East Dorset District Council.

As part of the new proposals, Dorset residents would be charged a fee to use household recycling centres (HRCs) in neighbouring counties.

Tips in nearby counties, including the site at Somerley, are currently subsidised by the DWP, which says, if given the go ahead, this could bring potential savings of £70,000 a year.

A DWP spokesman said: “We are consulting with Dorset residents about possible changes to our 11 household recycling centres. The options include possibly introducing charges for residents to use HRCs outside our boundary, for which there are arrangements with neighbouring authorities. These include the site at Somerley in Hampshire. No decisions have yet been made on any of the options.”

Other moves being considered include closing one or more centres, charging for entry, closing all sites for two or three weekdays, and charging residents to dispose of non-household materials.

In consultation documents, an example figure of £5 has been given.

However, the Journal has been told no amount has been set for the possible charge. Residents have voiced concerns on Facebook over fly-tipping and the extra cost. On Facebook, Britt Poyntz posted: “Let's be clear – the proposal to withdraw the subsidy and for Verwood folks to pay is Dorset's very own money-saving wheeze. It is not a really bad idea dreamt up by HCC in this case. If you don't agree this should happen, please complete the survey.”

Allison Iles posted: “If they start charging can you imagine how much rubbish is going to end up fly tipped in the forest? How much is that going to cost to clear up?”

Verwood town, district and county councillor Toni Coombs said: “It is something that needs to be looked at very carefully to ensure that any changes to the service do not have any unexpected consequences.”

The deadline for making comments is midnight on February 13.

Visit dorsetforyou.com/hrc or pick up a questionnaire from any Dorset HRC, library or district council office to have your say.

Feedback will be considered by the DWP joint committee before any decisions are made.