Cheltenham Borough Council is introducing an online booking system for its Swindon Road Household Recycling Centre.

The change will be brought in from next Monday (March 4). Residents will be able to pre-book their slots from today (February 26).

The council said the decision was made to improve customer experience and due to positive customer feedback from other recycling centres which already have a booking system.

Local people will be able to book their slot on the Cheltenham Borough Council website. Booking will be required for all cars. Commercial vehicles, such as vans, are not allowed on the site.

The system will work in a similar way to the one already used by Gloucestershire County Council and will mean people will be guaranteed entry to the site, reducing the possibility of wasted trips.

Gareth Edmundson, chief executive of Cheltenham Borough Council, said: "The benefit of pre-booking slots at Swindon Road Recycling Centre will mean quick and easy entry to the site for Cheltenham residents. It will improve the overall experience for customers, reduce queuing and will help improve air quality by reducing the number of cars idling whilst queuing to get in.

"If residents are unable to get online, they can call customer services on 01242 262626 and a slot will be booked for them."

Cheltenham residents are reminded that Swindon Road is unable to take some items, including:

• DIY and builders' rubble, including plate glass or plaster board

• Soil

• Books

• Tyres or other car parts

• Paint

• Gas bottles

• Hazardous waste including asbestos

• Clinical waste

• Animal waste

• Trade and commercial waste

• Toilets and hand basins

• Mattresses and upholstered furniture

These items must be taken to alternative Gloucestershire recycling centres.