There was widespread anger last week when B&NES announced that the recycling site in Welton would NOT be re-opening due to social distancing rules.

Today (May 27) the site in Keynsham re-opened at 8 am and just half an hour later the council appealed to residents not to visit unless it was essential.

The council tweeted " Already the queue time is around 2 hours. Check the website for updates before you set out. Only visit if essential."

Council officials were turning cars coming to the site away and warning local people to only go if it was absolutely necessary.

The queues later fell to just an hour and a half, but B&NES continued to warn residents of the new rules:

Including:

There will be delays and queues outside of the site so please don't arrive before it opens - we will turn you away if the queues becomes too long to avoid congestion on surrounding roads

There will be no pedestrian access

Don't take any items that can be recycled from your weekly kerbside collection except for large card (cardboard, cans, plastic bottles, plastic tubs and trays, glass, paper, food waste, textiles, clothes and shoes)

Bring proof of address with you in paper or digital format (such as your most recent Council tax bill or utility bill) - show proof of residency through a closed window

The permit system for vans and trailers is still in place (and you will need one before you come to the site), but you can visit any day of the week on a temporary basis.

An odd and even number plate system will be in place to help manage traffic and reduce queues, which means you can only visit the recycling centre on certain days (depending on your vehicle number plate)

Staff will not be able to help you remove or lift items from your vehicle (due to social distancing)