FINAL preparations are being made for the opening of Winchester's new recycling centre.

The new site at Bar End will replace the current centre in nearby Garnier Road on Wednesday, December 15, creating the biggest one in Hampshire.

The new household waste centre is needed as the Garnier Road site only has temporary planning permission until the end of next year.

That site is also too small for the usage it receives, and vehicle access is difficult. It will close permanently at 4.30pm on Tuesday, December 14.

The new site is located at the southern end of Bar End Road, near the park-and-ride car parks.

It features an innovative circular split-level design, allowing the bins to be serviced without having to temporarily close the site.

People will find it quicker and easier to use, say council bosses.

County council executive member for environment Councillor Keith Estlin said: "This will be a flagship site for Winchester, and for recycling in general throughout Hampshire. Despite its size the Garnier Road site consistently recycles waste above the Hampshire average of 53 per cent."

The new site should more than exceed this, said Mr Estlin.

Opening times will be the same as the current site: 8am-4.30pm from October 1 to March 31, and 8am-7pm from April 1 to September 30. It will be open every day, except December 25 and 26 and January 1.