WARRINGTON'S three tips have been closed due to huge queues.

Council bosses say too many people were using the recycling centres at Woolston, Stockton Heath and Gatewarth for non-essential purposes.

They were especially busy on Friday,

Council leader Russ Bowden said: “Following numerous requests, and direct conversations with residents, to only use CRCs for appropriate emergency waste issues, some residents of Warrington and neighbouring boroughs, continue to flout the government’s guidance regarding leaving home to make non-essential trips.

“A large number of people have been visiting the sites to dispose of rubbish, following spring cleans and garden tidy ups. Long queues of cars have formed at each site throughout Friday afternoon, with many cars loaded with waste other than general domestic items.

“It is with regret that the decision has had to be made to close all three centres with immediate effect. We have to follow current government guidelines regarding discouraging non-essential trips and social distancing, and the health and safety of our staff working at the centres is paramount.

“We would ask that residents do not visit any of the CRCs over the weekend and for the foreseeable future. The decision will be reviewed in conjunction with the provision of the domestic waste collection service.”