CIVIC dumps are to reopen on June 1, council bosses have confirmed.

A deal was agreed between the Scottish Government and Cosla, representing all local authorities on how to manage the facilities while the country is still on lockdown due to the coronavirus.

East Renfrewshire Council said they would join others in getting services back up and running after calls last week for recycling facilities to help stem the increase in flytipping blighting neighbourhoods.

A council spokeswoman said: “We are planning for the reopening of household waste recycling services from June 1, ensuring that suitable safeguards will be in place for our staff and members of the public. Further information will be issued ahead of reopening.”

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In a statement, councillor Steven Heddle, Cosla's environment and economy spokesman said that leaders agreed on Friday that local authorities will plan for their reopening next month.

Councillor Heddle said: "The reopening of sites depends on receiving assurance that this will not negatively impact the Covid-19 infection rate and will be consistent with national travel advice.

"There will also be local considerations including the need to maintain physical distancing for staff and members and public which will determine whether and to what extent individual sites will be able to reopen.

"The intent behind this decision is to provide a level of co-ordination across Scotland, to avoid a disjointed approach which could lead to confusion, and to ensure access to Household Waste Recycling Sites is managed to best ensure the safety of both staff and the public.

"We are working closely with the Scottish Government and partners on this and are drawing up guidance."

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Last week, Green MSP Ross Greer, who represents East Renfrewshire as part of the West Scotland region, said reopening centres should help reduce flytipping.

He said: "Larger items like furniture and electrical goods can’t be recycled through council bin collections, so it’s important that people are patient. It’s easier to have patience when you have an idea of how long you’ll be waiting for recycling centres to reopen though.

“There’ll likely be a huge rush to these centres as lockdown is eased and it’s vital that this is managed safely. 

"The council will also need to speak to the trade unions ahead of any reopening. Workers must have confidence that their work environment will be safe and that they can raise concerns which will be addressed before they are expected to return to work.”