Quarter-of-a-mile queue forms at tip on first day of reopening
Keynsham Recycling Centre opened today at 8am
by Jasper KingA long queue stretching back a quarter of a mile formed at a reopened tip outside Bristol today (May 27).
Keynsham Recycling Centre reopened at 8am for residents who live in the Bath and North East Somerset area.
Workers manning the queue told Bristol Live the line of vehicles was at its biggest on opening.
But still at 10.30am there were still thought to be around 150 cars waiting.
The queue was described by people waiting as "neatly organized" and "busy, but well managed."
The recycling centre itself has a large catchment area, with people from as far as Midsomer Norton to Bath being able to use the facility.
On Bath and North East Somerset Council's website, the authority reminds people that the Keynsham tip is only be open for 'essential visits' to Bath and North East Somerset residents.
Checks are being done on motorists for proof of addess.
And a number plate system similar to that used by Bristol City Council is being used to manage the number of people attending.
The council has followed Government guidance to reopen the Keynsham site. It is the only one in the district that can safely operate within social distancing guidelines.
Centres at Midland Road in Bath and Old Welton in Midsomer Norton must remain closed as it is impossible to provide enough space for social distancing at either site.
An additional issue at Midland Road is that the site is shared with the refuse depot, meaning traffic queues could delay bin collections for residents.
The arrangements, including whether Bath and Midsomer Norton could reopen if social distancing measures are relaxed by the Government, will be under constant review by the council.
Also today, North Somerset Council opened its tip in Portishead.