RESIDENTS in Worcestershire are being urged to store their household waste where possible after three county tips were forced to close due to excessive traffic.

Household recycling centres across Worcestershire have been busy over the last week with demand encouraged by good weather.

Councillor Tony Miller, cabinet member for the environment, said: “We want to encourage our residents in Worcestershire to stay at home while we remain in lockdown and store their waste, where possible.

“The good weather at the weekend provided the opportunity for us to work in our gardens, and household recycling centres across Worcestershire were extremely busy as a result.

“Sites at Droitwich, Pershore, and Bilford Road in Worcester have had to temporarily close for periods due to volumes of traffic. All have since reopened.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused and we are progressing options for traffic management arrangements at our household recycling centres.

“But we ask people to remember the advice to stay home as much as possible to protect communities across Worcestershire from the pandemic.

“We’d urge people to be patient and co-operate with household recycling centre staff who are working hard to ensure members of the public can use the sites safely.”

The advice comes after concerns were raised about traffic problems near to several centres in the county.

Lynsey Drake, who lives near the Worcester tip, said: “On Saturday I twice had to queue to drive past the recycling centre. On both occasions I witnessed drivers going around the pedestrian crossing on the wrong side of the road, including a bus.

“The constant weekend chaos is both frustrating as a local resident but also a serious safety issue. This situation is an accident waiting to happen and needs urgently addressing.

“I have contacted the council this weekend to once again report my concerns”.

Recycling centres remain open during the lockdown with several safety measures in place to protect residents and staff.