WASTE and recycling centres across the county will stay closed despite calls for them to be reopened to stop the increase in fly tipping and bonfires.

Worcestershire County Council said its recycling centres, including those in Redditch and Bromsgrove, will remain closed in line with the government’s advice on social distancing and non-essential travel during the coronavirus pandemic.

Labour councillors have called for the reopening of local household recycling centre’s.

Cllr Peter McDonald, leader of the Bromsgrove Labour Group, said: “It is important that local authorities maintain that local tips are still open to the public to prevent fly tipping and unnecessary bonfires: in doing so protecting the local environment and public health.

"However, we need to recognise the pressures that the current corona virus pandemic is placing upon local authorities, and that social distancing measures are maintain while residents are dumping their rubbish.

"Therefore, Bromsgrove Labour Group is calling upon the county council to reopen the local tip to prevent any build up of waste that could be harmful to local amenity and public health.”

Worcestershire County Council said it is working to ensure the centres can re-open as soon as it is safe to do so.

Cllr Tony Miller, cabinet member for the environment, said: “Our household recycling centres remain closed in line with the current government regulations around staying at home and non-essential travel. We appreciate residents’ frustrations on this matter and thank those residents who have been composting their grass cuttings at home, putting off DIY jobs until later in the year and storing waste safely at home until the sites re-open. The council in partnership with our contractor are working on arrangements to safely re-open sites as and when there are changes in restrictions.

“I’d also like to take the opportunity to thank our borough, city and district council colleagues who have been working hard to ensure regular waste and recycling collections are maintained. Please continue to, stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.”