RECYCLING centres in Wrexham are set to open their doors for the first time since the coronavirus lockdown began this Friday.

However, a warning has been issued that the county’s three tips could close again if residents don’t observe the strict social distancing measures put in place.

The sites in Plas Madoc, Brymbo and on Wrexham Industrial Estate were shut in early April in line with government guidelines on essential travel.

Last Friday, the Welsh Government gave local authorities the green light to start planning for them to reopen.

Wrexham Council has welcomed the decision and said it had been “carefully assessing” the changes.

In a joint statement, Councillor David A Bithell, deputy council leader, and Darren Williams, chief officer for environment and technical, said: “We’re pleased Welsh Government has relaxed the regulations, allowing us to reopen our sites at Bryn Lane, Plas Madoc and the Lodge at Brymbo.

“We know that coronavirus has brought huge disruption to daily life, and we’d like to thank everyone for their co-operation while the sites were closed.

“The vast majority of people have been brilliant, and have kept their excess waste at home for the time-being, and that’s really helped us.

“Now the sites are reopening, we’d like to ask for your continued co-operation in using them responsibly.

“We’re working closely with our contractor FCC Environment to make sure everything is managed carefully, so please adhere to the strict conditions.”

The council has set out a list of ten rules for people visiting its recycling centres, including for those with symptoms of COVID-19 or whose family members have contracted it to stay away to only bring household waste.

The authority has also asked for people to bring proof that they live in the county borough and to be patient with queues anticipated outside the facilities.

Other guidelines include to make sure only one person leaves a vehicle to unload and to stick to social distancing

The council has warned that it will take enforcement action against anyone who breaks the rules or fly-tips.

Council leader Mark Pritchard said: “Social distancing is crucial, and we’ll be conducting visits throughout the weekend to ensure the rules are being obeyed.

“If there any problems relating to safety, or we find users are breaking critical social distancing rules, the sites will be closed immediately.

“We all need to look out for each other and help keep each other safe and that’s why it’s so important that people stick to social distancing, and observe the two-metre rule at all times when they visit our sites.

“I’d like to thank everyone in advance for their co-operation. It really is appreciated, and will help ensure we can operate the recycling centres safely and effectively.”

All three sites will be open from 12 noon until 8pm this Friday, with the Bryn Lane centre then open from 8am-8pm daily.

The Plas Madoc and Brymbo facilities will be open from 9am-8pm daily.