RESIDENTS are being urged not to let their booked slots for the recycling centres to go to waste.

Hampshire County Council, who run household recycling centres including Somerley, says there have been “increasing numbers of no-shows” for booked slots.

The deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and environment, Councillor Rob Humby, said: “On a typical Saturday or Sunday, we have seen up to 60 no-shows at the bigger sites which means, of course, that’s 60 people in that area who could have used that slot."

“We are still operating at reduced capacity in order to keep safe social distancing measures in place for staff and residents, so I would ask people to only book slots they need so that there are enough to go round,” added Cllr Humby.

“It’s easy to cancel a booking if you change your mind or can’t make a slot after all – and as long as this is done the day before, the slot can be allocated to someone else in your community who needs it. Please don’t let your waste slot go to waste.”

Booking slots are available seven days in advance at each of Hampshire’s 24 HWRCs.

Bookings can be made online or, for those without internet access, by phone on 02380 179 949, between Monday and Friday 9am to 5.30pm

To cancel or amend a booking go to the link received on the confirmation email.