An MP is calling for the return of turn up and drop rubbish dumps.

Since last year, because of the pandemic, household waste recycling centres (HWRCs) across Kent can only be visited with an advance booking.

Natalie Elphicke, MP for Dover and Deal, says that this has made it harder for busy people to drop off household rubbish.

In addition, she stresses, there has been a reported spike in fly tipping across Kent after the change was made.

Mrs Elphicke wants residents to have their say in a consultation that Kent County Council is carrying out until September 30.

She said:“The spike in fly tipping across Kent and in our local area is a major concern to many local residents.

"People lead incredibly busy lives and need to be able to recycle and get rid of rubbish quickly and easily when they have time.

"It's a trip to the dump, not seeing a top consultant at the hospital." Natalie Elphicke

"The booking system was said to be brought in for public health reasons at the height of the pandemic.

"Now we have moved forward with the virus, that's no longer necessary and services should be fully restored for the ease and benefit of local residents.

"That’s why it is time to return to a turn up and drop system so we can make life easier for people wanting to recycle and to help end the scourge of fly tipping on fields, in woods or on the side of the road.

"It's a trip to the local rubbish dump, not going to see a top consultant at the hospital.

"Why make everyone book in just to get rid of their grass cuttings or responsibly recycle their cardboard boxes?

" Let's make it part and parcel of our local activities again, like popping to the shops.

“I encourage all concerned residents to take part in this consultation and make their views heard.”

Coronavirus continues, with 37,489 cases in the UK in the 24 hours to yesterday (Tuesday) but it is not on the scale of the absolute peak in January.

Also by yesterday a total 43, 620,946 people got their second vaccinations. These were never available when the booking system began in May 2020.

Dover district has two HWRCs, at Honeywood Road, Whitfield, and Southwall Road, Deal.

All in Kent closed when Covid-19 first took hold in March 2020 but re-opened when the bookings began.

Kent County Council says these have brought advantages such as less queuing and traffic at centres. This is because people are coming less often due to bringing larger amounts of waste each time.

The authority says on its online survey introduction: "Feedback since we started using the booking system suggests that many customers have found it convenient and useful but that some would still prefer to just turn up and go."

The consultation can be found on the web page letstalk.kent.gov.uk/wasteconsultation

Read more: All the latest news from Dover