Wiltshire's book-to-tip scheme will start soon - a fact known only because a banner has gone up at a council recycling centre.
At a meeting of Wiltshire Council's Liberal Democrat-run cabinet on Wednesday, Conservative councillor Tamara Reay demanded to know why councillors had not been told first, and why the public had not been informed through the council's communication channels or the local media.
The question caught the Liberal Democrat administration's cabinet member for waste, Paul Sample, on the hop.
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"I apologise for the fact that I'm not in a position to answer that straight away," he said.
"I'll ask the officer to check and get back with a written answer as soon as possible."
"I find it unbelievable that the cabinet member does not have that evidence on a key decision to hand," responded Councillor Reay.
Wiltshire Council first introduced an online booking system for Household Recycling Centres in June 2020 - during the pandemic - with 15-minute slots booked up to three days ahead.
Residents had to pre-book, or they were turned away.
The system - introduced by the Conservative administration - was later scrapped when social distancing rules were relaxed.
In July 2021, the council confirmed it would end the online booking system and return to "non-booked visits only."
In December 2025, the council - then under Liberal Democrat control - announced it would be closing two recycling centres, at Purton and at Compton Bassett, near Calne.
To manage the anticipated influx of recyclers to other sites, and to alleviate queues at some of its busiest centres, it proposed the reintroduction of booking, starting with a trial in Melksham, Devizes, Salisbury, and Stanton St Quintin near Chippenham.
An official start date for the trial has not been announced.
But at Wednesday's meeting, Cllr Reay asked: "Why was it that communication of the introduction of Household Recycling Centre slot booking was via a banner at the HRC in Hopton (Industrial Estate, Devizes), and not as a courtesy to unitary members, town and parish councils, and residents?"
She also asked what evidence the council had that the booking system would make things easier for residents, and what evidence there was that the need to book would not lead to an increase in fly-tipping.
Cllr Sample responded: "There's a big comms plan in place and I will share it with the member and others.
"I'm quite happy to ensure that goes onto the website as well if necessary, so that you, the press, and everyone else are aware of what the plans are.
"They are at an advanced stage, and I look forward to a successful launch of the scheme in the local media."
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The banner, which carries Wiltshire Council branding, reads: "From Monday, 14 September access is by pre-booking only.
"Bookings open on 8 September."
The banner points residents to the website www.wiltshire.gov.uk/bookhrc , which confirms that the trial will take place at Melksham, Devizes, Salisbury, and Stanton St Quintin as well as Purton and Lower Compton, which have been given a stay of execution.
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