U-turn over Shropshire Council's controversial tip booking system hailed as 'victory for residents'

Yesterday - Wednesday, February 13 - Shropshire Council's Conservative cabinet confirmed that it would be scrapping a requirement for people using cars to book before attending its household recycling centres.

The surprise decision was announced by the authority's Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, Environment and Transport, Councillor Ian Nellins.

The decision affects the council's five centres at Shrewsbury, Craven Arms, Bridgnorth, Oswestry, and Whitchurch.

It will mean from next Monday, people attending in cars will no longer need to book - but those in vans and trailers will still need to book.

The council will also be requiring all those attending to provide proof of residency in Shropshire.

The system, which was brought in last November, has only lasted around three months.

It had been opposed by Liberal Democrat Councillors, who also started a petition against the change - with more than 6,000 people signing up.

Shrewsbury Councillor Alex Wagner hailed the decision, saying he welcomed the move saying the change had been 'trying to fix a non-existent problem'.

He said: "This is a victory for residents and proof that campaigning can work and get results for people in Shropshire.

"I'm delighted that people have been listened to.

"This system was always a terrible idea. It added a layer of costly admin, was trying to fix a non-existent problem, and plainly made it harder for people to access a service they needed to use.

"With fly-tipping increased by 20 per cent, residents want to now see action to get on top of the problem and have a county council which works to improve the situation - not make it worse."