1. 00am today

Richmond council today urged people to think twice before deciding whether they really need to visit the Townmead Recycling centre, which reopened yesterday.

Ast 9am today there were 80 cars queuing to get into the site.

The council said: "Please think before you travel - we are allowing less cars on site at anyone time. Can your visit wait?

"For all those who are planning on spending hours queuing for please remember those visiting the nearby crematorium for funerals. Our stewards will be prioritising access to them."

COVID-19 Townmead Road opening guidelines and restrictions

In line with the Government guidance, Townmead Road Household Waste and Recycling Centre will be open for essential waste only from Monday 18 May 2020, following the closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Please do not go to the site unless you absolutely need to.

This is not a return to normal operations. There are strict Government guidelines and restrictions in place to make sure visits to the site are safe for members of the public and staff.

In addition, please be aware that Townmead is adjacent to Mortlake Crematorium. At this current time the Crematorium is exceptionally busy with around 20 funerals a day.

If mourners are delayed or unable to access the funeral of their loved one, it will be devastating for them. Therefore, we must prioritise access for vehicular traffic going to the Crematorium. Please be mindful of this before you leave your home.

Residents will only be able to go to Townmead on certain days and times.

A limited number of vehicles will be allowed on site at any one time, so you will have to queue. We will have stewards in place helping to coordinate traffic. However, please be aware that if the site becomes too busy and unsafe, it might close at short notice.

Before you travel to Townmead Road, please review the information on these pages to determine if your journey is essential and to check which day you are eligible to attend.

When the centre is open, we will be updating this webpage regularly throughout the day with information regarding queues and any issues.

Please note:

Paid for garden waste collection services will also resume from Monday 18 May 2020. Check your next collection date.

Paid for bulky waste collection services will resume on Tuesday 26 May 2020, however slots are bookable from Monday 18 May 2020.

Please note that discounts are available for over 60s and two free collections per year for those in receipt of specific government benefits.

Check here for update information