A NEW booking system for a tip is set to go live next week to try and reduce queues of people trying to use it.

Darlington Borough Council says that from June 1, anyone who tries to use the household waste recycling facility in Mewburn Road, off Whessoe Road, without a booking will be turned away.

The town’s tip, which temporarily closed in March, reopened on April 28 following a month-long closure because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Since reopening, the facility has attracted queues of people trying to use it, resulting in traffic congestion in the area.

A new online booking system is being introduced from Monday, with slots available from June 1 onwards, in a bid to improve access and reduce congestion by staggering users.

Councillor Andy Keir, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for local services, said: “We’ve introduced safe working practices to allow social distancing guidelines to be met and to ensure the safety of staff and local residents – but this does mean fewer people can use the facility at any one time.

“We have been monitoring the situation since the tip reopened but while the system has been working well, and despite our reminders that people should only use the tip if absolutely essential, we have seen queues forming on a regular basis.

“This is why we’re now introducing the free booking system to help reduce waiting times for residents and avoid traffic congestion on the roads.

“It’s simple to use – just fill in the online form on our website.

“This will be an interim measure and we will keep things under review.”

The tip is open seven days a week, between 8am and 4.30pm and has strict social distancing measures in place.

It is open for “essential” use only, following the introduction of strict social distancing measures to ensure the safety of staff and residents using the site.

Anyone who uses the facility is asked to follow the signs and instructions from staff on site.

People are also being urged to only travel as a last resort to dispose of household waste.

The facility is for Darlington residents only and users will be asked to show proof of address on arrival.

Anyone who arrive without a booking, or proof of address, will be turned away.

The tip sometimes has to close due to poor weather, such as high winds. If this happens any bookings will be cancelled, those affected should receive a text and will need to re-book.

The online booking form will not be available until Monday 25 May, for dates and times from 1 June onwards.

Information about council services and changes during the current pandemic can be found at www.darlington.go.uk/coronavirus.