Dozens of motorists 'queue' outside Sheffield recycling centre despite government restrictions on non-essential travel
Dozens of motorists have been pictured queueing outside a Sheffield recycling centre, which appears to show people flouting the current government coronavirus travel guidelines.
One concerned Star reader sent a picture which reportedly showed a large queue snaking out of Blackstock Road Household Waste Recycling Centre, in Gleadless.
The frustrated passer-by said: “Where’s the social distancing here? Queuing to get into Blackstock road tip, no wonder Covid-19 rates are up in Sheffield. Looks like most of them have tree clippings and grass, hardly essential waste.”
The queue goes against the UK government advice to not travel unless it is essential, such as to buy groceries or pick up a prescription.
Currently, all five of the council’s Household Waste Recycling Centres are open as normal.
However, in line with government guidelines and the safety of the workforce and public, residents are asked to only visit the sites if crucial to do so.
If a visit is unavoidable, residents are asked to ensure that they follow the government’s social distancing guidelines.
Whilst sites are currently open, if large numbers of people visit the sites or fail to follow the guidelines, they will be forced to close.
The council is advising residents to check their website at www.sheffield.gov.uk/waste for up to date service updates due to the situation with ‘the coronavirus changing on a daily basis’.
There have been 833 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Sheffield, following a daily rise of 103, with the death toll currently standing at 47.