Council-run tips in Leeds will re-open next week, it has been confirmed, writes Richard Beecham & John Baron.
Subject to further details this week from the Government regarding Covid-19 restrictions, a final decision on which household waste recycling centre (HWRC) sites will reopen will be announced ‘shortly’.
It follows concerns over fly-tipping and pressure from opposition councillors who claimed the closures could lead to ‘chaos’ once the sites reopened.
Calverley & Farsley councillor Andrew Carter, who heads the Conservative group of Leeds City Council, has called for:
- A limit of three cars per site and one-way systems and stewards to manage traffic,
- Restrictions on the number of people allowed outside vehicles, proof of address to ensure people are not travelling from other areas,
- Protective equipment for workers and residents being told to remain in vehicles whilst queuing.
But the authority claims it will use a strict booking system in order to keep numbers at manageable levels.
A council statement acknowledged the need to manage traffic queues would be ‘a big issue’, adding that numbers would be restricted until further notice, and would be open seven days a week from 8am to 8pm.
Leeds City Council’s executive member for environment Mohammed Rafique said:
“I want to reassure residents that we will reopen our household waste and recycling centres as soon as it is safe to do so. We have been working with neighbouring councils across West Yorkshire to co-ordinate our planning and to meet new government guidelines that we expect to be updated later this week.
“We know the coronavirus has presented a number of challenges in terms of how residents manage and dispose of their waste. I would therefore like to offer a big thank you to residents for their continued patience and support in these challenging and unprecedented times.”