LONG delays are expected at tips over the Easter bank holiday weekend.

Dorset Council is warning potential visitors to tips, or Household Recycling Centres (HRCs), they should expect long delays - and councillors are advising to postpone your trip if possible.

An increase in visitor numbers to Dorset over the Easter weekend partnered with social distancing measures at all of the council's 10 tips, which reduce how many people can be allowed on site at any time, have resulted in the expected delays.

Councillor Jill Haynes, Dorset Council portfolio holder for customer and community services, said: "We're already seeing more people than usual HRCs this year, and the Easter weekend is typically one of our busiest times.

"While we're pleased that people want to recycle their waste correctly and Covid-19 restrictions are starting to relax, the fact remains that we need to keep social distancing measures in place at our sites for a while longer to ensure the safety of visitors and staff.

"Therefore, we are continuing to politely request that people consider whether their 'trip to the tip' is necessary this Easter. If you can keep your waste at home safely, then it is not necessary to visit an HRC over the Bank Holiday weekend. If you absolutely must drop your waste off, please be warned there are likely to be long delays."