LONG queues forced Windsor and Maidenhead council to temporarily close its recycling centre to deal with the backlog.

Long queues of cars were seen trying to enter Stafferton Way Household Waste and Recycling Centre (HWRC) on Saturday (May 16) as residents attempted to get rid of their rubbish which forced the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) to close the site until 1pm.

READ MORE: Rise in number of police officers being spat at, coughed on or bitten during coronavirus outbreak

In line with government’s announcement, the council reopened its HWRC May 11 (Monday) but urged residents to only visit the site if it’s essential and warned if the queues become too long, they may have to temporarily close the centre to deal with the demand.

One resident called the queue ‘absolute chaos’, adding that it was all the way towards the big roundabout and suggesting the council may need to review the current visiting system.

Locals can only visit the HWRC on set days depending which ward they live in. Boyn Hill, Oldfield, Riverside, and St Mary’s were the only wards meant to visit Stafferton Way that day.

RBWM tweeted: “We are sorry but we have had to close Stafferton Way Household Waste and Recycling Centre. We will deal with the backlog queues and aim to open at 1pm. Please only visit if you need to do and stagger your journey.”

Councillors Helen Taylor (The Borough First: Oldfield), Gurch Singh (Conservative: St Mary’s), and Donna Stimson (Conservative: St Mary’s), lead member for environmental services, were at Stafferton Way controlling and directing the traffic.

READ MORE: Tens of thousands of reports of coronavirus symptoms made to NHS 111 services in East Berkshire

Councillor Stimson said: “We’ve had to close Stafferton HWRC till 1pm. Queues were becoming dangerous. Please don’t come unless you have to. It is open until 8pm.

She added: “What a day. Twelve hours at the tip! Residents delightful and patient. Staff wonderful. Cllr Taylor and Cllr Singh thank you! We got through the closure, mild rages and huge queues. St Mary’s, Riverside, Boyn Hill Oldfield residents you rock!”

RBWM has reminded residents to only come to Stafferton Way HWRC if you cannot safely store your waste at home and to check the visit rota on the council’s website.

You must bring and display your advantage card, driving license or proof of address on your dashboard in order to use the centre.