A COUNTY council is reopening more of its 20 tips after a rise in flytipping during lockdown, taking the number of open centres to 14.

Following the opening of half of North Yorkshire’s household waste recycling centres (HWRCs) on May 6, four additional sites reopened yesterday.

The newest household waste recycling centres to reopen are Shawl Quarry Lane, Leyburn, Burniston Road in Scarborough, Sowarth Field Industrial Estate in Settle and Flawith Lane, Tholthorpe.

All 20 of the North Yorkshire County Council’s HWRCs closed temporarily in March in response to restrictions to protect the public during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The move follows the opening of ten sites earlier in this month, allowing residents to dispose of large or bulky waste after a rise in fly tipping across the county.

Just two days prior, on May 4, a large amount of rubbish was dumped into a sink hole in a rural and remote part of Richmondshire, which was then set on fire.

North Yorkshire previously closed tips to discourage non-essential travel, with the local authority continually to evaluating the situation.

Now, the council says all open sites adhere to social distancing guidelines and maintain the safety of the public and centre staff.

While 14 of the county’s 20 sites are operating, the remaining six sites – Northallerton, Ripon, Malton, Tadcaster, Harrogate (Stonefall) and Wombleton – cannot currently open due to their size, layout and difficulty with highway safety.

This decision will continue to be reviewed, with a view to opening more as soon as possible.

Councillor Andrew Lee, executive member for waste management, said: “I am pleased that we continue to move forward, and thank residents for only visiting the sites when they feel it is essential.

“The ten HWRCs that re-opened on Wednesday, May 6 have managed to operate well with new controls to keep the public and staff safe.

“We would like to remind residents that we are currently unable to accept trailers or commercial customers at any of the sites.

“We want the sites to work as efficiently as they can, while prioritising the health and safety of residents and our staff.”

Social distancing must be observed, with people remaining at least two metres apart at all times.

Hand sanitising facilities at sites are limited, so residents disposing of waste are advised to wear gloves and to wash their hands before and after their visit.

The council urges people making the journey to visit the website for opening times and days, as well as details on vehicles and types of waste as restrictions apply.

Full details can be found at www.northyorks.gov.uk/CovidHWRC