BUDGET cuts to Suffolk’s waste service could lead to an increase in fly-tipping across the county, councillors are being warned.

Proposals to close seven of the county’s 18 household waste sites as part of changes to Suffolk County Council’s environmental services next year caused concern when they came before the authority’s budget scrutiny committee yesterday.

Chris Punt, who represents Beccles, said that if people had to go on a 35-mile round trip to the nearest household waste site after their local one closed, there would inevitably be an increase in fly-tipping.

He feared that the amount district and borough councils might have to spend clearing up after fly-tipping could be greater than the savings from closing the sites.

Environment spokeswoman Lisa Chambers said: “We are concerned about fly-tipping and we have done hours and hours of work. We are working with districts and boroughs to support their work to take measures against fly- tipping, and we shall be taking action against anti-social behaviour.”

The committee also discussed other proposed cuts to the economy, skills, and environment department.

Liberal Democrat David Grutchfield was concerned about a proposal to end the subsidy for the Explore card which had given a great deal of independence to tens of thousands of youngsters.

Council director Lucy Robinson said there were already indications that some transport operators would operate their own scheme for young passengers – some may continue to recognise existing Explore cards.

Opposition leader Kathy Pollard was concerned about proposals to hand over the management of country parks to parish councils and other interested groups. She said many parishes had been invited to a meeting in February to consider taking over parks in their area – but they had already decided their budgets.

“If we are going down this route parishes should have been contacted three to five months ago,” she added.