THURROCK Council has confirmed it is making plans to reopen the Linford Household Waste and Recycling Centre.

It's been more than the week since the government issued a directive to local councils informing them they should reopen any closed tips. Local government secretary Robert Jenrick said he had written to councils telling them to plan to reopen tips and recycling centres.

"Our bin men and women have done a fantastic job maintaining the vast majority of collections," Mr Jenrick told the Commons. "I'm asking councils to plan the organised re-opening of household waste collection sites. I expect this to happen over the coming weeks and will be publishing amended guidance shortly."

In its first response since that, the council today (Wednesday, 6 May) issued a brief statement saying: "Plans are currently being made to re-open Linford Household Waste and Recycling Centre.

Plans will be announced next week

"Specific guidance and a letter to local authorities on opening HWRCs was issued by government yesterday. We expect to communicate our plans for Linford early next week."

The council has come under pressure by many local residents to reopen the tip, particularly in the wake of the death of two horses in South Ockendon which were caused by people dumping grass waste in their field.

The council had stopped all collection of brown bin garden and kitchen waste bins, but recently resumed that on a rotational basis, meaning every household should get a collection once a month. Details of other bin collections can be found here.

A number of residents have reported increases in local fly-tipping and today Thurrock Nub News visited the tip on Buckingham Hill Road not far from its junction with the A1013, which appeared deserted, but a pile of tipped waste was lying adjacent to the closed gate.

When the tip at Linford does reopen, it is likely that there will be a big demand. Details of what can and cannot be taken to the site can be found on Thurrock Council's website here.