RESIDENTS from all across Dorset are set to be re-admitted to Millhams tip - four years after they were controversially banned.

The decision to ban non-Bournemouth residents from using the tip caused uproar when it was first introduced in 2004.

Under pressure from Dorset County Council, Bournemouth council agreed to a compromise and signed up to a voucher scheme but this also attracted criticism.

Under the scheme, only residents living within three kilometres of the tip were allowed to use it and even they were only allowed six visits a year.

But now this three kilometre restriction is set to be lifted, after it was revealed that more Bournemouth residents were using Dorset County Council's tip at Christchurch than the number of Dorset residents using Millhams.

A report going before cabinet members on Wednesday states: "The three kilometre radius was originally introduced to stop the Millhams site becoming too busy to be managed safely.

"After recent improvements to the site, it is now considered that the three kilometre restriction is unnecessary, financially inequitable and should be removed."

The recommendation to reopen Millhams to Dorset residents is one of several waste issues being brought before cabinet members.

Councillors are also being asked to provide local schools with recycling bins in a bid to boost the town's recycling rate.

And they will also be updated on two ongoing the projects - the work being carried out with the Borough of Poole on building a local recycling plant and the imminent implementation of a new wheelie bin for garden waste.