Recycling centre to reopen following upgrade works

A household recycling centre which has been closed for three months will reopen in December.

Hempsted Household Recycling Centre in Gloucester closed on 13 August for essential improvement and environmental upgrade works and is now expected to reopen to the public on Saturday 5 December.

Alan Dench, from Gloucester, said he had spent "a fair bit of petrol money" driving to Wingmoor Farm Household Recycling Centre, which is about 12 miles (19 km) away, and that the reopening would make his life "a lot easier".

Gloucestershire County Councillor Ashley Bowkett said the improvements will "help provide a better, more efficient and reliable recycling service for residents".

The centre was expected to reopen in mid-November, but delays with equipment supply has meant more time was needed to complete the work, which include drainage improvements, new tarmac and fencing, and delivery of nine new containers.

Three of six new waste compactors have also arrived at the site, which will be used for general waste, garden waste and cardboard, and will be powered by 100% renewable electricity.

Chairman of Highnam Parish Council, Charlie Coats said he is "looking forward to using the facilities".

"I am sure everyone who lives locally will welcome the fact that the tip is reopening shortly," he added.

Bookings for vans, pickups and large trailers will reopen from Saturday 14 November, followed by car bookings from Saturday 21 November.

Pyke Quarry, near Horseley will continue to open seven days a week until Hempsted reopens.

It will then return to six-day opening, with its usual Wednesday closure restarting on 9 December.

Gloucestershire County Councillor Ashley Bowkett thanked residents for their patience.

"Some supplier delays has meant the work has taken a little longer than we had hoped, but work is continuing across the site and we're looking forward to welcoming residents back in December," he added.

Follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.