A local county councillor has said that plans to dismantle the booking system for waste and recycling centres across Pembrokeshire, will be a ‘positive step’ forward.

Over the summer, Pembrokeshire County Council Leader Cllr Tessa Hodgson confirmed it is the intention of her administration to remove the booking system for the waste and recycling centres across the County.

County councillor for Saundersfoot’s South Ward, Cllr Chris Williams has welcomed the news, stating: “I’m sure many Saundersfoot residents will have read my recent report about the fly-tipping incident on Devonshire Drive, where a mattress, bedding and other household items were dumped at the roadside just a short distance from Crane Cross Recycling Centre.

“At the time, I said it was possible that the waste had been dumped because the items may not have been accepted without a pre-booked appointment under the current system.

“While I cannot say for certain that this was the reason, it is clear that fly-tipping remains a real concern for our communities. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. Since the introduction of the booking system, I have received reports of black bags, household waste and other items being abandoned at various locations.

Cllr Williams said that fly-tipping not only blights our local environment but also places an unnecessary burden on public services and, ultimately, the taxpayer.

He continued: “For that reason, I very much welcome the proposed changes to how access to the recycling centres will operate in the future. I believe this is a positive step forward and one that I am pleased to support. If making it easier for residents to use our recycling centres helps reduce fly-tipping, then that can only be good news for Pembrokeshire.

“I also hope that any new arrangements provide flexibility for residents. Whilst many people are happy to book in advance, others may need to visit at short notice or simply prefer the convenience of turning up, as they were able to do before the COVID-19 pandemic.

“If both options can work alongside each other, it would offer greater choice while helping the centres operate efficiently.

“I look forward potentially to the new arrangements being introduced and hope they will encourage even more responsible waste disposal, helping to keep our communities clean, safe and free from fly-tipping,” he added.

PCC leader, Cllr Hodgson has asked the Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, Cllr Rhys Sinnett, to work with officers to bring forward a report outlining the options.

She previously stated: “Pembrokeshire is consistently one of Wales’ best performing local authorities when it comes to waste and recycling and I thank our staff and the people of Pembrokeshire for helping us continue to improve.

“However, the booking system is an issue that is raised with me time and time again by residents, and so removing the booking system is a priority for me and my administration.

“I believe we can create a system that maintains high standards of waste disposal, provides value for money for taxpayers, and continues to maximise recycling, all without unnecessary bureaucracy.”