Cambridgeshire’s recycling centres are the latest county council service to be put under the financial spotlight with proposals that some could close or have their hours reduced.

The county has nine household recycling sites, three of which are in Huntingdonshire – Alconbury, Bluntisham and St Neots.

Each of the sites, which are managed by AmeyCespa, are under review as part of CCC’s drive to save £149million over the next five years – and that could mean closures, a reduction in services and new charges.

A consultation has been taking place – it closes this Friday – asking the public for their views on how savings could be made.

The survey includes questions about support for closing up to three sites as well as keeping them all open but closing them each on two weekdays or changing the opening hours.

The suggestions also include limiting the number of visits made by large vehicles and people with trailers.

Should CCC look at closing one of their sites then Alconbury could be in the firing line – it has the lowest footfall of all nine centres while Bluntisham and St Neots are among the top third most visited.

Some residents have raised concern that closing recycling centres or restricting access would lead to an increase in flytipping.

St Neots county councillor Barry Chapman told The Hunts Post: “I think it would be a terrible problem.

“I have made it quite clear with the county council that I am opposed to the closure of any of the Huntingdonshire sites.

“The district council would be the ones clearing up flytipping.”

However, CCC believes rubbish being dumped at the roadside would not be a big issue.

As part of its review of the recycling service it concluded: “It is worth pointing out that whilst flytipping is a common concern there is little evidence to support the view that closing recycling centres or changing hours or days has an impact on flytipping in the local area.”

The costs of running one recycling centre ranges between £145,000-£240,000 a year.

The results of the consultation will be presented to CCC’s highways and community infrastructure committee in the autumn.

INFORMATION: To have your say, visit www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/recyclingcentreservice. To get a paper form, call the county council on 01223 715459.