Lutterworth's tip will close for one week due to 'unprecedented levels of demand'

Leicestershire County Council (LCC) said the recycling centre will be open today (Thursday, August 6) but then close until Thursday, August 13.

Three other sites - Bottesford, Oadby and Shepshed - will also temporarily close for the same reason.

LCC said: "The council’s 13 sites have experienced unprecedented levels of demand across all sites in recent weeks, with many waste containers reaching capacity, and a shortage of drivers affecting the speed at which containers can be emptied.

"The situation has also been affected by wider industry pressures affecting third-party treatment and disposal sites, including delays at treatment facilities and reduced processing capacity meaning we are not able to clear our sites as quickly as we would want.

"To help manage the pressure and clear the backlog, the council will temporarily close Bottesford, Lutterworth, Oadby and Shepshed recycling and household waste sites.

"The temporary closures will help keep services available across the county and reduce the risk of further disruption."

Councillor Adam Tilbury, cabinet member for environment and waste, said: “We know these temporary closures will be inconvenient, but they will help us focus staff and resources where they are needed most.

“Wider industry pressures are also adding to the situation so this approach will support the remaining sites, help clear the backlog and keep the network operating safely again.

“We are sorry for the inconvenience and thank residents for their understanding’’

LCC said its is also trying to recruit more drivers into the service.

For more information, visit www.leicestershire.gov.uk/waste