Falmouth residents have been giving their views on whether Cornwall Council should reopen the waste and recycling centres in and around the area.

Cornwall Council closed down all fourteen of its waste and recycling centres at the end of March in response to the new measures set out by Boris Johnson.

"We can respect and adhere to social distance there. I've got so much garden waste to get rid of," said one resident.

"I'm worried that if the closure continues the amount of fly-tipping will rise even more than it has."

There have been reports on social media of increased fly-tipping around the area, many residents believe it is due to the closure of recycling and waste centres.

Another resident said: "Would be great if they could open but only if there is no danger to themselves."

The possibility of tips reopening came after local government minister, Robert Jenrick, said he had written to councils telling them to plan to reopen tips and recycling centres.

"Our bin men and women have done a fantastic job maintaining the vast majority of collections," Mr Jenrick told the Commons.

"I'm asking councils to plan the organised re-opening of household waste collection sites. I expect this to happen over the coming weeks and will be publishing amended guidance shortly."

While most residents seem in overwhelming favour of the centres reopening, there are a few that still remain sceptical.

"I don't know the running needs once we've put our rubbish there so can't say if it's possible or safe to open," one resident said.

The local councils association has said: "The government has now indicated that they want councils to re-open their centres and local authorities have already begun preparations to do just that in the coming weeks.

"This will not be without its challenges – requiring social distancing measures, traffic management and coordination across the country.

"Most importantly, there needs to be clear guidance to both the police and the public as to what constitutes an essential journey to a household waste recycling centre during lockdown."

Falmouth Nub News has contacted Cornwall Council on their plans for waste and recycling centres, but are yet to receive a response.