A TEMPORARY recycling centre is to be set up in Helensburgh as Argyll and Bute Council prepares to reopen all its waste recycling facilities as part of the easing of lockdown restrictions.
The temporary facility, which will open on Monday, June 1, will be sited at the car park next to Helensburgh Pier as the authority makes preparations for high demand for the service from local residents.
Recycling facilities in England and Wales reopened earlier this month – and many reported long queues of traffic to get into the centres, sparking fears of major delays on the A818, the only route to and from Helensburgh's normal waste recycling centre at Blackhill.
With the exception of Blackhill, all the council's other household waste recycling centres (HWRCs) will also open on June 1.
A spokesperson for the council said: “All HWRCs, including the temporary facility for Helensburgh and Lomond, will be set up to reduce the risk of Covid-19 among those who use them.
READ MORE: Announcement expected soon on re-opening of Helensburgh recycling facility
"This means that there will be changes to how they operate. Detailed management plans are being finalised for each individual site to make sure they run smoothly and safely.
“These plans will be promoted on the council website and social media channels before reopening.
"Centres are also likely to be very busy for the first few days.
"To avoid the risk of waiting in long queues, and not being able to get into the centres, we would ask residents to use them only if it is absolutely necessary.”
It is expected that all sites will have a one-way system in place, with signage in the centres themselves and on approaching roads.
No more than two people, from the same household, should be in vehicles visiting the sites and staff will not be able to assist with dumping items on the site.
The council will not be able to offer a full service immediately after opening and containers will be available for the most common materials – domestic or general waste and garden waste.
Vans, trailers and commercial vehicles will also not be able to use the sites for the time being. Arrangements will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.
The spokesperson added: “Sites’ opening times will be provided on our website. Last entry to site will be 15 minutes before closing time.
“This gives time for the vehicles queuing to have the contents unloaded. If you do plan to visit the centre, give yourself plenty of time.”
READ MORE: Catch up with all the latest Helensburgh and Lomond news headlines here
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