HEREFORDSHIRE Council is set to stop people visiting tips in Hereford and Leominster if they haven't pre-booked a timeslot.

Currently, the sites in Chapel Road, Hereford and Bridge Street, Leominster are open as they were before the coronavirus pandemic, but the council has told people they will need to pre-book in a bid to cut down on queues.

From Monday, September 14, the two sites will follow a similar system to those in places at the centres in Bromyard, Ledbury, Ross-on-Wye and Kington.

The pre-booked system for the two household recycling centres will be open for bookings from today (September 4).

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a limited number of residents are allowed on site at any one time, a council spokesperson said.

They added: "This has caused traffic congestion around the Hereford site in Rotherwas and Bridge Street in Leominster. It is hoped that the booking system will prevent queues leading up to the sites.

"The household recycling centres are only open to Herefordshire residents, and appointments must be booked online in advance. Residents will be able to book up to four slots every two weeks and will receive a pass before visiting.

"An address and vehicle registration number will be needed to secure the booking. Anyone who is self-isolating or has Covid-19 symptoms must not visit a household recycling centre."

Councillor Gemma Davies, Herefordshire Council’s cabinet member for commissioning, procurement and assets, said: “It is essential that everyone books a slot before visiting one of our household recycling centres.

"The booking system has worked well at our other sites. By introducing the system for Hereford and Leominster, we hope to avoid the queues which have been building up outside the sites.

“We continue to advise residents to take measures to avoid creating waste and manage it at home where possible. If you do need to visit, we ask that you observe social distancing rules at all times, come to the recycling centres alone where possible and wear gloves and suitable footwear.

"Most importantly, please act responsibly and respectfully towards other visitors and staff.”

To book, visit: www.herefordshire.gov.uk/hrcbooking