Fire chief welcomes news Northamptonshire's rubbish tips will avoid lockdown

Crews hope decision will avoid 999 calls to fly-tipping and out-of-control garden bonfires
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Northamptonshire's firefighters have welcomed news that the county's rubbish tips will stay open during lockdown.

Authorities confirmed yesterday that the county's nine Household Waste Recycling Centres can continue to operate — unlike during the first national lockdown in March.

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That sparked an increase in 999 calls as residents resorted to dumping rubbish in public areas or burning it in back gardens.

Chief Fire Officer, Darren Dovey, tweeted: "This is good news as Northants Fire & Rescue attended a lot of fires during the earlier lockdown where people were burning rubbish in their gardens, many of which spread to buildings, or where fly-tipping had been set alight."

Tips stayed closed until May and their reopening was greeted by huge queues as residents removed rubbish that had built-up at home.

Boris Johnson announced a second national lockdown at the weekend which starts on Thursday.

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But Northamptonshire County Council confirmed recycling centres at Sixfields, Ecton Lane, Brixworth, Wellingborough, Kettering, Corby, Rushden, Daventry, and Towcester will not be affected — although social distancing will be strictly enforced and visitors should expect access to be slower than normal as numbers being allowed in at one time are limited.

Chief Fire Officer Darren DoveyChief Fire Officer Darren Dovey
Chief Fire Officer Darren Dovey

A council spokesman said: "The HWRCs will remain open throughout the period of additional Covid-19 restrictions commencing on November 5.

"Social distancing will continue to be enforced at all HWRCs and as a result there may be queues to access the sites. In accordance with national guidance you should stay at home as much as possible and consider if your visit is absolutely necessary.

"Also, please remember to take proof of your home address — a council tax bill, for example — as site staff will conduct spot checks."

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All nine county centres are open between 10am and 6pm on selected days as follows:

Northamptonshire's Household Waste Recycling Centres will remain open during the second national lockdownNorthamptonshire's Household Waste Recycling Centres will remain open during the second national lockdown
Northamptonshire's Household Waste Recycling Centres will remain open during the second national lockdown

Brixworth — Monday and Thursday to Sunday

Corby — Monday, Tuesday and Friday to Sunday

Daventry — Monday, Tuesday and Friday to Sunday

Kettering — Wednesday to Sunday

Ecton Lane — Monday, Thursday, Friday

Sixfields — Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday

Rushden — Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

Towcester — Monday and Thursday to Sunday,

Wellingborough — Monday, Tuesday and Friday to Sunday