TRAFFIC disruption is being reported around Ravenhead Retail Park following the reopening of the recycling centre.

From today, Ravenhead Household Waste Recycling Centre and Newton-le-Willows Household Waste Recycling Centre have reopened, with various restrictions in place.

Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority (MRWA), which runs the recycling centres, has already warned that it expects queuing times to be “significantly higher” than usual.

And St Helens Council has also warned residents to visit the tip if you “absolutely need to”.

But this morning residents have taken to social media this morning to report tailbacks at the Ravenhead centre.

Speaking on Facebook this morning, Andy Hurst said: “6:45am – Just drove past the tip. There’s already a queue.

“Road is completely blocked with a wagon that cannot get through as they’ve put cones down the middle.”

A one-way system is currently in place on Burtonhead Road, with a road closure at the mini roundabout. Access to the site is from Canal Street only.

It is understood the Newton-le-Willows recycling centre has been less busy, although this could change throughout the course of the day.

Traffic marshals are currently assisting at both sites.

A spokesman for St Helens Council said: “There will be marshals outside each centre to give you information about waiting times, direct you into a queue and at some sites direct traffic to prevent blocking the roads for non-tip traffic.

“Please listen to their advice as they are there for public safety and to reduce your wait.

“Government advice is still to only make essential journeys, so please only visit the tip if you absolutely need to.”

St Helens Star: Longer queues than usual are expected at the recycling centres Longer queues than usual are expected at the recycling centres (Image: Newsquest)

MRWA, along with its contractor Veolia, are implementing clear operating guidelines with respect to the necessity of visits, social distancing on site and queuing.

Here are the restrictions in full:

  • The number of vehicles allowed on site will be restricted, and queuing times will be significantly higher.
  • Cars only
  • One person per vehicle (Blue Badge holders will be able to be accompanied by one family member).
  • No vans, commercial-type vehicles or large trailers.
  • Social distancing of at least two metres will be strictly enforced.
  • Site employees will not be able to assist with unloading.
  • Sites will be open 8.00am – 8.00pm every day.
  • If households have had COVID-19 symptoms waste should be left for at least 72 hours before disposal and personal waste should be safely double bagged. Place it in your brown bin collection if you can.

For more information, visit merseysidewda.gov.uk