A controversial booking system used at recycling centres across Kent is becoming "more divisive that Brexit", it is claimed.

Kent County Council, which oversees the running of 18 household tips in the county, introduced online reservations last year after the first national lockdown was imposed.

Residents looking to dispose of rubbish have since had to book slots in advance of the day - even after social distancing restrictions were lifted earlier this year.

Councillors remain split on whether the booking system should be dumped, with the issue debated by members of KCC's environment committee last Wednesday.

A public consultation has already been held - finishing on September 30 - with the feedback likely to inform any decision taken on the future of the service.

There appear to be three options on the table - keep the booking system, scrap it, or create a hybrid model that sees online reservations in place only on the busiest days.

Elham Valley councillor Susan Carey (Con), KCC's environment cabinet member, said: "We would like to keep the booking system because it has proved really popular with users."

Data shows that 145,000 visits were made by Kent residents to tips in October, with 51% of all available booking slots taken up.

This was 60% up on January, but slightly down on the yearly peak in August.

Cheriton Sandgate and Hythe East councillor Rory Love (Con) called on the administration "to get back to normal" by reopening all sites without the need to book slots in advance.

He said it was needed "so that people do have the flexibility to turn up as and when they wish too".

Malling Rural East county Cllr Sarah Hudson (Con) added: "I feel the Covid situation and use of the booking system is no longer valid."

Currently, residents can book up to one month in advance on KCC's website. New slots are added each day.

Some elected members have called to retain the system amid health and safety concerns as coronavirus cases remain high in the county, leading to staff sickness. HGV driver shortages are also impacting on service provision.

Dover Town councillor Nigel Collor (Con), whose division is near a recycling site in Honeywood Road, Whitfield, said the roads can easily get blocked when there is a "free for all" to use the local waste centre, particularly along the A2.

Supporting the continuation of the online system, he said: "Personally, I would like to see more same-day bookings introduced."

Margate councillor Barry Lewis (Lab), who is KCC's shadow cabinet member for transport, said the debate over the full reopening of recycling centres has become more divisive than Brexit.

He proposes a hybrid arrangement to appease both sides.

He told KentOnline said: "When I speak to people on the doorsteps there are strong feelings on both sides.

"Some people want to book to visit the tip like they would the theatre, and others want to be a little more spur of the moment.

"I would suggest we could have a system in which on the two quietest days of the week people could turn up without booking,

"The data would dictate what days they would be, and whether we would need to extend that to more days.

"I think an approach like that would square the circle and satisfy both opinions."

KCC chiefs are analysing the findings of the public consultation, which will be debated in January ahead of any decision being made.

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