DISCUSSIONS are underway over the reopening of Shropshire’s five recycling centres.

The centres, in Shrewsbury, Oswestry, Whitchurch, Craven Arms and Bridgnorth, closed on March 24 after the government’s coronavirus lockdown was imposed.

Almost all similar sites across the country have also remained shut for the last month, leading to fears over increased fly-tipping and bonfires.

But Shropshire Council announced on Tuesday it is in talks with its contractor Veolia, which operates the centres, over how to approach the reopening of the sites.

It comes after the secretary of state for housing, communities and local government announced on Tuesday that it was time to begin reopening recycling centres “over the coming weeks”.

Robert Jenrick MP made the announcement in the House of Commons during a local government questions session.

He said: “Our bin men and women have done a fantastic job maintaining the vast majority of collections. The government published advice on how to ensure the safety of collections on April 7.

“And today I’m announcing that 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.”

A Shropshire Council spokesman said: “In line with the secretary of state’s latest announcement we are considering the organised reopening of our household recycling centres.

“We’re currently in discussions with our contractor Veolia and an announcement will be made once plans are agreed and confirmed.

“The health and safety of site staff and visitors remains our top priority and will be a key consideration in these discussions.”