Townmead Road Tip to Reopen Later This Month
Access to recycling centre near Chalkers Corner will be restricted by car registration
From Monday 18 May residents will be able to take their waste to Townmead Road Waste and Recycling Centre again.
Due to the coronavirus crisis, household recycling centres across the country closed for business more than a month ago.
However there will be strict guidance in place to ensure the safety of residents and staff, including plans to stagger visits based on car registration numbers.
This will be based on whether the second digit of your car registration number is ‘even’ or ‘odd’.
Residents should not visit if they are unwell with symptoms of coronavirus or self-isolating, including people on the NHS shielding list for the most vulnerable.
Visitors must arrive by car, and stay two metres away from other people at all times.
It is also recommended to wear gloves for protection.
The council has also warned that the site may have to close at short notice if it becomes too busy and unsafe and has asked residents to consider whether visiting is urgent or essential.
Residents are advised to visit only if their waste cannot be safely stored at home or keeping it at home is a risk to public health or the local environment.
Townmead Road is adjacent to the borough’s crematorium – which is currently very busy with around 20 funerals every day. The council will therefore be prioritising access to those vehicles who are attending funerals.
Stewards will be in place to monitor and control traffic. However, residents are encouraged to look at the council website and Twitter feed before leaving their homes for the latest updates.
Cllr Martin Elengorn, chair of Richmond council’s environment and sustainability committee said, “I know that many people have been unhappy that we closed Townmead and suspended services. However, our priority was to maintain the safety and well-being of residents and staff. At the time, Government guidance was clear.
“As we are now able to reopen the site and reinstate services, we ask that residents really consider whether it is essential to jump in the car and go to Townmead.
“Townmead will be really busy. There will be lengthy queues. Therefore, before you decide to visit, please think whether you can leave it for a few weeks or utilise another service.
“Please respectfully think about those people who will be travelling to the crematorium and the impact your visit may have on their access to this. There are 20 funerals a day at the crematorium. Funerals have been limited to only 20 minutes, if people are delayed because they have been blocked by those visiting Townmead, it will be devastating for them.
“Only come if your waste or recycling cannot be safely stored at home or is a risk to public health and the environment. This will also ease the pressure on access to the crematorium.”
Opening times for residents with ‘Even’ registration number plates based on 2nd digit e.g. XX52 XXX
Monday 18 May Open 8am to 4pm
Wednesday 20 May Open 8am to 4pm
Friday 22 May Open 8am to 4pm
Sunday 24 May Open 9am to 4pm
Tuesday 26 May Open 8am to 4pm
Thursday 28 May Open 8am to 4pm
Saturday 30 May Open 8am to 4pm
Opening Times for residents with ‘Odd’ registration number plates based on 2nd digit e.g. XX03 XXX plus old UK style, foreign, personalised etc.
Tuesday 19 May Open 8am to 4pm
Thursday 21 May Open 8am to 4pm
Saturday 23 May Open 8am to 4pm
Monday 25 May Open 8am to 4pm
Wednesday 27 May Open 8am to 4pm
Friday 29 May Open 8am to 4pm
Sunday 31 May Open 9am to 4pm
For more information visit Richmond council’s web site.
Sian Bayley - Local Democracy Reporter
May 7, 2020