PLANS to close the majority of Dorset's recycling centres for two days a week have been binned.

The proposals put forward by Dorset Waste Partnership suggested implementing the cost-saving measure at eight of the 11 household recycling centres in the county.

However, the approach has been abandoned following opposition from members of DWP's joint committee.

The proposal, which excluded Wimborne, Shaftesbury and Dorchester, has been replaced by other ideas to help the partnership save money.

A spokesperson for DWP said: "The Dorset Waste Partnership considers all available possibilities when budgeting for the future, especially given the financial pressures that local authorities are faced with.

"In discussions with councillors last year, the closure of our household recycling centres for two days a week (with the exception of Wimborne, Shaftesbury and Dorchester) was one of the possible savings options presented for consideration but not pursued due to a general lack of support.

"As a result no solid plans have been drawn up, including which days the closures could have taken place."

Cllr Margaret Phipps, who represents Christchurch Borough Council on the joint committee, said she was pleased the proposal had been removed.

"This was an idea that came up after a workshop on areas savings can be made," Cllr Phipps said.

"At a meeting last year it was one of the measures on the list and I put my hand in the air and felt as Christchurch Borough Council is concerned we would not support it.

"I found a lot of backing from other areas of Dorset who also felt the same way that to close eight of the 11 household recycling centres for two days a week was not the right decision.

"It is not a good idea and when we were told at the recent meeting that it was off the table I was very happy."

The decision to scrap the two-day centre closures was reported to members at a recent meeting, in which they also discussed revenue estimates for 2018/19.

A draft budget of £33.1m has been put in place for the next financial year.

However, it was reported that a recent national pay offer is estimated to cost DWP £383,000 over and above the salary allowance in the budget.

To meet this demand it was proposed to use reserves from the budget equalisation pot of £1m.