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Samantha Deakin, an Ashfield Independent Councillor, is leading calls for Nottinghamshire County Council to reopen their 12 recycling centres across the county.

The recycling centres were closed by the county council on March 23, including Hucknall Recycling Centre on Wigwam Lane and Kirkby Recycling Centre on the Lowmoor Industrial Estate in the Ashfield district.

Coun Deakin said: “We recently had the worst incident of fly-tipping we’ve ever experienced in our district in Huthwaite.

“Unlicensed waste contractors are having a field day because of the closure.

“The Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service have even had to issue guidance to residents not to light fires in their gardens. This was after a spate of call outs about residents burning waste in their gardens.

“Obviously, a controlled re-opening of our tips would have to adhere to strict guidelines on social distancing to protect staff and users.

“Residents have contacted me in huge numbers however saying that there is surely less risk visiting open air recycling centres than say visiting supermarkets.

“I have to say, I agree with them.”

The Ashfield Independents have contacted the county council to ask them to review the closures.

Residents are being encouraged to keep their bulky waste and not burn it and if any resident in the Ashfield district would like to use the council’s bulky waste service then call 0800 183 8484 or email [email protected].

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRD) have confirmed the number of ‘controlled burns’ in resident’s gardens has gone up 123 per cent compared with this time last year.

They have now advised residents not to light fires in their garden during the coronavirus pandemic.

Station Manager, Paul Gair, said: “We are now asking Nottinghamshire residents to refrain from having bonfires due to the potential health implications the smoke could have on the respiratory system.

“We also ask you to consider the implications this could have on NFRS at this time.”