UPDATE: Recycling centres set to reopen from Tuesday, May 26

Plans to reopen libraries and waste centres across Caerphilly County Borough are being drawn up – but there is no indication on when they will open their doors.

The council closed its civic amenity centres and its libraries after Wales’ lockdown began in March.

Announcing an extension to the lockdown on Friday, May 8, First Minister Mark Drakeford said councils can now start planning for their reopening.

On that same day, the council’s chief executive Christina Harrhy warned that people should not expect them to reopen immediately.

Councillors have called for waste centres to reopen amid concerns the closures have led to an increase in fly-tipping – something the council has said hasn’t happened.

According to figures from the council, there had been 174 reports last month and 189 during the same period last year.

Independent councillor Nigel Dix, of Blackwood, welcomed the Welsh Government giving the green light for centres to reopen.

He said: “This is what we were asking for and it looks like the Welsh Government has listened.

“When the centres reopen, it will take pressure off residents and hopefully reduce fly-tipping.”

Council leader Philippa Marsden said: “Our Labour-led council recognises residents’ concerns about dealing with waste, and we will reopen our sites as soon as possible.

“This isn’t a quick or straightforward task – and the safety of the public, and of our workforce, must be our paramount concern.”

A Caerphilly County Borough Council spokesman said: “There are many factors that need to be carefully thought through before these facilities can safely operate and this will take time.

“There will also be regional and national discussions to explore whether a joined up approach can be adopted by local authorities to ensure consistency.

“Further information and potential timescales will be provided by the council shortly.”

The body that represents Wales’ 22 local authorities has agreed common criteria outlining what must be done to reopen the waste sites safely. These include distancing measures, safe staffing levels and traffic management.

Trade unions are also being consulted.

Cllr Andrew Morgan of Rhondda Cynon Taf, the leader of the Welsh Local Government Association, said: “The safety of the public and staff remains our top priority.”

• People getting rid of waste and worried about their contractor’s licence can check details on checkwaste.wales