Harrow’s recycling centre will reopen next week – but the council is anticipating long queues and asked people to only use it if completely necessary.

Harrow Council announced that the recycling centre, in Forward Drive, Harrow, will be accepting residents from Monday (May 18).

It will stagger visitors throughout the week based on post codes – HA1 residents on Monday, HA2 Tuesday, HA3 Wednesday, HA5 Thursday, HA7 Friday and HA0, HA4, HA6, HA8, NW9, UB5 and WD2 residents on Saturday.

Sunday is reserved for key workers, including those from the NHS and other emergency services staff.

Despite the decision to reopen – in line with government advice – the council urged residents to only use the tip if they are struggling to manage their household waste.

It is expecting long queues since it is only accepting cars and one person from each vehicle can get out to dispose of any waste to help maintain social distancing measures.

Cllr Varsha Parmar, responsible for the environment at Harrow Council, said: “Thank you for your patience during what has been a difficult period for all of us and also for managing your waste responsibly during this time.

“We know it’s been a long and frustrating wait, but your safety and that of our staff has always been our number one priority.

“Staff have been working incredibly hard carrying out risk assessments, checking traffic measures, security and social distancing measures to allow you to dispose of your waste safely.

“Please help us and our staff by only coming to the tip if it’s absolutely essential and on your allocated day. I’d like to thank you for your continued co-operation.”

The council reminded people that they must show ID and proof of address upon arrival – ie council tax bill, utility bill, driving license, NHS/emergency services ID.

And anyone from a household where someone has experienced any Covid-19 symptoms in the past 14 days must not visit the recycling centre “under any circumstances”.