Helston residents give their thoughts on the reopening of waste and recycling centres

Helston residents have been giving their views on whether Cornwall Council should reopen the waste and recycling centres in and around the area.

Cornwall Council closed down all fourteen of its centres at the end of March in response to the new measures set out by Boris Johnson.

One resident said: "If they can make something like a booking system work to control the number of people on-site at one time then I don't see why not. Turn away anyone who doesn't have a pre-booked slot.

Another resident said: "Yes, it would be easy to maintain social distancing."

The possibility of tips reopening came after local government minister, Robert Jenrick, said he had written to councils telling them to plan to reopen tips and recycling centres.

"Our bin men and women have done a fantastic job maintaining the vast majority of collections," Mr Jenrick told the Commons.

"I'm asking councils to plan the organised re-opening of household waste collection sites. I expect this to happen over the coming weeks and will be publishing amended guidance shortly."

Not all residents are in favour of the waste and recycling centres reopening, with some believing that it does not fall under an 'essential' journey.

"No, it's not an essential journey, it doesn't fall under any of the 4 categories to get in your car and leave your home," said one resident.

"There is a weekly waste collection and a fortnightly recycling collection still taking place. Stay home, save lives."

The local councils association has said: "The government has now indicated that they want councils to re-open their centres and local authorities have already begun preparations to do just that in the coming weeks.

"This will not be without its challenges – requiring social distancing measures, traffic management and coordination across the country.

"Most importantly, there needs to be clear guidance to both the police and the public as to what constitutes an essential journey to a household waste recycling centre during lockdown."

Do you think the waste and recycling centres should reopen or remain closed during coronavirus? Let us know by emailing at [email protected] or using at Nub It button!