Struggling recycling centres to temporarily close

Four recycling and household waste sites in Leicestershire are to temporarily close their doors due to problems processing material.

The county council said it was facing "unprecedented levels of demand" along with a shortage of drivers who emptied the waste containers.

This has been compounded by industry-wide delays at treatment facilities and reduced processing capacity, officials said.

Sites at Bottesford, Lutterworth, Oadby and Shepshed are being shut until late next week so staff can be redeployed to keep other sites running safely.

Adam Tilbury, cabinet member for environment and waste, said: "We know these temporary closures will be inconvenient but they will help us focus staff and resources where they are needed most.

"Wider industry pressures are also adding to the situation so this approach will support the remaining sites, help clear the backlog and keep the network operating safely again.

"We are sorry for the inconvenience and thank residents for their understanding."

The closures are as follows:

• Bottesford - from Friday 7 August to Wednesday 12 August inclusive
• Lutterworth – from Friday 7 August to Wednesday 12 August inclusive
• Oadby – from Thursday to Friday 14 August inclusive
• Shepshed – currently shut and will reopen on Friday 14 August

At present, certain sites also cannot accept a number of types of waste and users are asked to check for details, the council said.

The recycling centre at Lount is already closed for building work and will remain closed until further notice, it added.

Earlier this year the centre at Bottesford shut for four weeks for changes to its layout and the Lutterworth facility closed for five weeks for repairs to a concrete yard.

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