INTERMITTENT closures of a Monmouthshire waste and recycling site have been the result of an increase in refuse, according to the county council.

The irregular opening hours at Viridor Recycling in Mitchel Troy, near Monmouth, have meant that skips and recycling bins have been removed more frequently in recent weeks.

The council’s clarification comes after they reportedly received several letters from disgruntled residents in the Monmouth area with regards to the limited service.

But Cllr Richard John, member for Mitchel Troy, has welcomed both the council and Viridor recognising how “highly-regarded” the recycling site is.

“The public have every right to expect clear information about any temporary closures so their valuable time is not wasted,” he said.

“This remains a popular and well-used site and I recognise the importance of protecting this facility in the face of ongoing financial pressures.”

All of the county’s four household waste recycling centres (HWRCs) in Mitchel Troy, Caerwent, Llanfoist and Usk are typically open seven days a week between 8am and 5.50pm.

A statement on the council website states that the local authority attempts to limit all temporary closures at Mitchel Troy to the summer months due to heavy volumes of traffic.

The council have moved to reiterate that information detailing closures can be found from posters at the recycling site itself, the council website and the council’s social media.

Residents have also been asked to use the My Monmouthshire mobile app to find information and report issues to the council directly.

According to a council spokeswoman, specific alerts for residents in Mitchel Troy are also being developed to make information regarding the HWRC available as early as possible.

Rachel Jowitt, head of waste and street services said: “Monmouthshire County Council and Viridor would like to thank all the users of the Mitchel Troy recycling site for their patience and their continued efforts to make Monmouthshire a county of recycling excellence.

“We apologise for recent closures but we are continuously aware of the importance of health and safety of both our residents and staff at the site by closing the site we have peace of mind that everyone is safe.”