MEMBERS of the public have been urged to only visit the tip for essential journeys, as St Helens Council warned long queues may cause traffic disruption.

Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority (MRWA) intends to reopen all of its Household Waste Recycling Centres, subject to traffic management plans being in place for each site.

Ravenhead Household Waste Recycling Centre and Newton-le-Willows Household Waste Recycling Centre are due to open on Monday, May 4.

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Rainhill Household Waste Recycling Centre in Tasker Terrace, Rainhill, will open two weeks later from Monday, May 18.

St Helens Council said this is to give it more time to prepare a traffic management plan for the site, which is in a residential area, with support from Merseyside Police.

A council spokesman said it expects long queues at the centres when they reopen, which could cause traffic disruption on the surrounding roads.

“Can we remind residents that the government advice is still to only make essential journeys, and only visit the tip if you absolutely need to,” a council spokesman said.

“There is also likely to be long queues at the centres when they reopen, which has the potential to cause traffic disruption on the road network.

“We will update residents as soon as we have further information from MRWA.”

St Helens Star: Rainhill Household Waste Recycling Centre will reopen later than some other centres Rainhill Household Waste Recycling Centre will reopen later than some other centres

Strict social distancing measures will be enforced at each recycling centre when they reopen.

MRWA, along with its contractor Veolia, will also be implementing a number of other restrictions.

Only cars will be allowed for the time being and the number of people in each vehicle will be restricted to one, excluding blue badge holders.

Here are the restrictions that will be in place at all of MRWA’s recycling centres from Monday, May 4:

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  • The number of vehicles allowed on site will be restricted, and queuing times will be significantly higher.
  • Only cars can enter.
  • 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 2 metres will be strictly enforced.
  • Site employees will not be able to assist with unloading.
  • Sites will be open 8am – 8pm every day.

For more information visit merseysidewda.gov.uk