CAMPAIGNERS are celebrating after plans for a new recycling centre in a Hampshire town were thrown on the scrapheap.

County waste bosses changed their mind over building the facility at the Luzborough Depot in Romsey after residents and parish councillors argued the site was not suitable.

Opponents insisted it would lead to increased traffic and impact on routes to three nearby schools.

Hampshire County Council leader Ken Thornber, who made the decision, hailed the U-turn as an example of the council listening to what people want.

With proposals for the new Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) now shelved, the council will instead consider improving existing facilities at its Bunny Lane site.

"This is another great example of the county council listening to the views of residents and acting on what they say," said Cllr Thornber.

"We've had many letters from people in Romsey and the town and parish councils, arguing the case against the Luzborough site, and I'm sure this news will feel like an early Christmas present for them.

"Our task now is to evaluate potential changes to the current HWRC so that the needs of all users are improved as much as they can be."

Test Valley councillor Caroline Nokes, who represents Romsey Extra, welcomed the "very good news".

She said: "Common sense has prevailed and I am pleased that an additional burden is not going to be put on an already busy road network.

"Bunny Lane is well located, away from residential properties, and does not cause the level of nuisance that local residents suspected the Luzbor-ough depot would.

"This is a real success for local people making their voice heard."