A VAN ban at Bournemouth tip has been amended following a public outcry.

A new permit scheme will be introduced in the next month to enable people whose main vehicle is a van to use Millhams tip.

But other controversial restrictions limiting access to people who can prove they live within the borough will remain in place.

Under the new scheme, Bournemouth residents will have to provide their vehicle registration certificate and MOT certificate when they apply for a permit at the Southcote Road depot or through the post.

The strict rules will see free permits issued to Bournemouth residents only and solely for the purpose of transporting domestic waste to the tip.

Only one residential exemption permit will be issued to a single applicant and to a single residential address at any one time. And permits will not be issued for sign-written vehicles, including hire vehicles, or for vehicles registered to a commercial business addresses.

Cllr John Hayter, cabinet member for the environment, said: "This decision has been taken in direct response to Bournemouth residents who have been experiencing genuine difficulties.

"We are pleased to be introducing these permits for residents who need to dispose of justifiable quantities of household waste."

A similar scheme operated by Dorset County Council has worked well, although it reports that site staff and council employees still experience occasional problems from a "core of discontent" among unsuccessful applicants.

Bournemouth council estimates that is will receive up to 500 applications for permits every year, of which between 100 and 200 will be successful.

First published: October 14