Wellington, Williton and Dulverton recycling centres are among those that will remain open for essential visits next week.

Somerset Waste Partnership (SWP) says this is thanks to the responsible attitude shown by the public so far – people have, in the vast majority of cases, heeded restrictions on access and materials since the sites were reopened on May 11.

Mickey Green, SWP managing director, said: “People have followed the guidance and understood why restrictions are necessary. We really appreciate that, and it is this that has allowed us to keep the sites open and allow people to make essential visits.

“We are working on plans that will let us ease restrictions on access and materials and will do this as soon as we can. In the meantime, please continue to do the right thing and follow the restrictions which are there to keep the sites open and keep everyone safe.”

Although queues have at times been substantial, the sites have been able to cope – despite social distancing measures which halve the usual number of unloading bays.

SWP remains on course to reopen the remaining sites, including Minehead, by Tuesday, May 26, following the bank holiday.