ALL household recycling centres in West Cheshire are now shut due to the coronavirus crisis.

Cheshire West and Chester Council and its partners HM Martins have made the decision to close all household waste recycling centres in the borough until further notice.

It said operations in West Cheshire have been managed well until now to ensure staff and customer safety, and safe distancing in line with Government guidelines.

However, due to the need for staff support elsewhere and limits in its ability to manage waste through its contractors, the decision has been taken to close all centres from this evening.

Residents are asked to keep bulky items, DIY waste and other rubbish they usually take to the recycling centre stored safely at home until the sites reopen. Residents are asked not to put items out with the kerbside collections as they will not be collected.

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, Councillor Karen Shore, said: "We’ve kept our Household Waste Recycling Centres open for as long as possible.

"Due to the need for staff to maintain vital services and limits in our ability to manage the waste we receive through contractors the decision has now been made to close all centres with immediate effect.

"This has not been an easy decision to take and we’re aware of the impact on some residents. As a Council we have to focus our attention and resources on essential services during this unprecedented period.

"We’re asking all residents to bear with us and support us during this time as we make difficult decisions. Please keep your bulky waste stored safely at home until the sites reopen.

"We all have a part to play and it’s important we work together to minimise the spread of the virus. Please follow Government advice on how to keep yourselves safe and well.

"The waste service is currently under pressure due to staff shortages. Kerbside collections of dry mixed recycling and waste on scheduled days of collection will continue although this service may also change in the coming weeks if necessary.

"Please be assured that we will do everything we can to ensure you continue to receive these essential services in a timely manner."