County council chiefs say changes to Lichfield’s household waste recycling centre have been successful in reducing congestion around the site.
The Witley Drive facility recently underwent a remodelling with more unloading spaces and ramps added.
It came after lengthy tailbacks became a regular feature on surrounding roads and the nearby Trent Valley island.
Cllr Julia Jessel, Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for infrastructure, said the number of visitors had risen by 25% compared to last year.
“Following the improvements at the Lichfield household waste recycling centre we have seen a huge reduction in the queues forming outside the site.
“The new changes have really helped to limit the impact that the centre has on the surrounding area.
“Officers on site who are helping visitors navigate the new lay out have reported great feedback from visitors.
“We still have social distancing measures in place, so even though the site has a better lay out, it can still get busy during peak times.
“If people can stagger their visits or choose a less busy period it helps spread the load and reduces queues.”
Cllr Julia Jessel, Staffordshire County Council
A list of the busiest times at the site is available to view on the Staffordshire County Council website.
But they have increased fly tipping!
@R Russell Have they? How?
@Asellus aquaticus : https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/2021/04/12/appeal-for-information-after-spike-in-fly-tipping-across-lichfield-and-burntwood/
If they were open more amenable hours, for instance later in the evening for people who work, or not closed for two days, limited weekend hours perhaps this could already have been averted.
The opening hours are sufficient. Fly tipimg happens for many reasons and as this article indicates the problems are now solved and people can dispose of things easily.
The issue was with the layout of the site, not the opening hours or closing for two days. Associating fly tipping with the layout is more appropriate but I suppose some people just like to complain.
@Biggus Dickus, The opening hours haven’t changed, the queues might still sometimes be there, but are definitely better than they were. So how did that CAUSE a spike in flytipping?
Correlation does not automatically imply causation.