Deal’s rubbish tip has become the first in the county to allow pedestrians to walk in and dispose of their household waste and recycling.

The Kent County Council-owned (KCC) site in Southwall Road now has special access for walkers.

KCC and Dover District councillor Trevor Bond, pictured, said: “It will be a trialed to see if further walkways can be introduced.”

The rule change came into place in September.

Cllr Bond added: “The new footpath entrance will save local people living nearby having to use their car for a small distance to drop off little amounts.”

A Kent County Council spokesman said: “We have listened to local residents living close to its Household Waste Recycling Centre in Southwall Road Deal who wish to walk their waste to the site.

“They can now use a newly constructed walkway to avoid having to come into contact with vehicles entering, leaving or manoeuvring on site.

“We will be monitoring the use of the walkway and it will only be currently be used in daylight hours to ensure the continued safety of our customers.

“The walkway has been installed specifically for use by local residents who are able to walk to site. Parking outside the HWRC is forbidden as it needs to be kept clear at all times for access.

“We believe it will be of great help to our customers and we will be monitoring the usage closely.”