Fly-tipping sparks call for dumps to reopen

Petition demands council unlocks recycling centres

More than 2300 people have signed a petition demanding that North Lanarkshire Council opens recycling centres.

Facilities across the country have been closed because of the Covid-19 lockdown and the local authority warned fly-tippers face a £200 fixed penalty.

But petition organiser Tom Daniels insisted that skip centres could operate safely if managed properly.

He said: “One member of staff could control vehicle entry, while another ensures the required social distancing as residents dispose of their waste.

“For us all to hoard general waste in our gardens or communal areas creates immediate health concerns for families, neighbours and communities.

“Fly- tipping has increased, with temporary dumps a ticking time bomb of disease and infection.

“We are all living with one crisis and don’t need another.

“As residents and taxpayers, we need North Lanarkshire Council to see common sense and re-open these centres.”

The council said it is only following national guidance on non-essential car journeys and social distancing.

A spokesman stated: “We can’t do anything that increases the risk of transmission. However, we are developing plans to re- open our household recycling centres quickly if the government guidance on essential journeys changes.”

The council pointed out that it has continued to provide a full household waste collection service during the lockdown.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said earlier this month she will allow recycling centres to operate again only when it’s considered safe.

Fly-tipping has increased

Open up Petition organiser Tom Daniels says centres like this facility in Shawhead could operate safely, if managed properly