A cross-party campaign is highlighting the threat to a recycling centre in Alresford.

Local politicians are concerned the county council may close the centre in Propsect Road as it seeks to save money.

Political differences were set aside when Tory city council candidates Lisa Griffiths, Ernie Jeffs and Kim Gottlieb came together with lib Dem councillors Margot Power and Jackie Porter to protest against the potential closure of the Household Waste Recycling Centre.

Hampshire County Council is carrying out a public consultation to identify a preferred way to save money, and as the smallest and lowest ranked site in the county the site is vulnerable to closure.

Mrs Griffiths said: “The site may be small but it is immensely popular, and is regarded as an essential service by residents in and around Alresford. We all use it.”

Mr Jeffs said: “We are also concerned by a potential increase in fly tipping if the site is closed. It would be very short sighted of the County to make that decision.”

Mr Gottlieb added: “We are looking at ideas such as reducing hours of opening and charging per visit, but we need to impress upon the county council that this facility must stay open.”

The pubic consultation runs until May 25 and residents are being encouraged to let the county council know their views by completing the questionnaire on the county website.

Villagers in Cheriton has organised a petition and attracted around 200 signatures.