Concern about proposed changes to the county’s recycling depots’ opening hours has prompted one local to warn that St Albans’ and Harpenden’s tips are likely to receive an increase in users from elsewhere.

Consultation has begun on a reduction of services at 17 household waste centres throughout Herts. As part of efforts to save at least £6 million in costs over the next eight years, Herts county council has proposed permanently closing centres at Hoddesdon and Elstree, and changing the remaining 15 sites from a seven-day-a-week service to just five days. Opening times would be cut from 8am until 4pm.

But Clive Glover, of Radlett, warned that should Elstree’s tip be closed, he and other locals would be forced to drive further afield, and visit the recycling centre in St Albans.

He said: “I don’t think it is a good idea, as it is a well-used facility. Cutting costs doesn’t seem unreasonable, but I think there has to be more flexibility.”

The county’s new contractor, AmeyCespa, has suggested other changes to develop the service including having “mystery shopping exercises” to improve customer service, and trying to increase the amount of waste being recycled.

Terry Douris, the council’s cabinet member for waste management, said: “We recognise that any change will have an impact.”

The deadline for responses is August 3. Visit the council’s website to respond