Plans to open Northamptonshire's tips 'in the coming weeks'

Northamptonshire's tips are set to open to the public in the coming weeks, it has been announced this afternoon.

The nine sites in Brixworth, Corby, Daventry, Kettering, Northampton (Ecton Lane and Sixfields), Rushden, Towcester and Wellingborough were closed by Northamptonshire County Council on March 24 as part of measures to try and stop the spread of coronavirus.

Yesterday Government minister Robert Jenrick told the House of Commons he wanted councils to re-open them and this afternoon the county authority said plans to do so were in place.

Arrangements will be made to ensure social distancing is maintained on-site.

Cllr Jason Smithers, county council cabinet member for highways and place, said: “The primary reason for initially closing household waste recycling centres (HWRCs) was to enforce the Government’s ‘stay at home’ message in response to the Covid-19 outbreak.

“A journey to a HWRC was not considered essential travel and so we prioritised supporting district and borough councils in maintaining waste and recycling kerbside collection services.

“The government has now indicated that they want councils to reopen HWRCs, and so we are developing operational plans that will enable us to make these sites accessible to the public in the coming weeks.

“These plans will include arrangements to ensure social-distancing is maintained on site for the protection of the public and staff."

Last week rubbish was "dangerously" fly-tipped on a country road between Farndish and Wollaston.

A number of complaints have also been made about dumped waste in Northampton in recent weeks.

Cllr Smithers added: “It is vital that we all continue to follow the Government’s guidance.

"Therefore, the re-opening plans are being devised in conjunction with other counties and waste disposal authorities, and in liaison with Government departments, to ensure a nationally co-ordinated approach.”

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