Lengthy queues at the Lincoln Waste and Recycling Centre in Great Northern Terrace have become a significant concern for local businesses, according to a report by BBC Lincolnshire. Nearby firms have voiced their frustrations, stating that the congestion during peak times is driving customers away.
Matthew Benson, the owner of JVS garage on George Street, noted a troubling trend. He observed that the number of bookings at his garage drops significantly on days when the recycling centre is open. "Looking at our bookings, the number that we take on tip days is actually significantly less than when the tip is shut," he explained.
Safety has also emerged as a pressing issue. Benson expressed his concerns about motorists navigating around the queues. "People go and drive on the wrong side of the road. There's a blind bend there as well. There are huge articulated lorries that come and go. I think it's only a matter of time before there's a serious accident," he warned.
Across the street, Rob Wilkins, who runs CR Fitness gym, shared similar sentiments. He reported that some customers have opted to turn around rather than wait in traffic for up to 30 minutes. "They come to the back of the queue and they turn around, so it's a loss of business," he said. Wilkins estimated that the impact on his business amounted to "high hundreds" of pounds each month due to the disruption.
To keep customers informed, Wilkins mentioned that members have started posting updates in a WhatsApp group whenever they notice long queues at the tip, which has led to cancellations of fitness classes. He suggested that the council consider building a second recycling centre in the long run to alleviate the pressure on the current facility. In the meantime, he advocated for a booking system and extended opening hours to help manage the flow better.
In response to the situation, Lincolnshire County Council acknowledged the increased demand, particularly during good weather, which has resulted in more than 900 vehicles visiting the recycling centre on peak days. A council spokesperson noted that they understand the exceptional demand can impact local businesses and visitors. They are currently monitoring the situation and exploring potential solutions to speed up the process.
On a recent Friday, council employees wearing hi-vis jackets were seen directing traffic to assist motorists trying to bypass the queues. As the community grapples with these challenges, it raises an important question about how to balance the needs of local businesses with the demands of residents looking to recycle their waste effectively.
As these discussions continue, community members may want to weigh in on potential solutions. What do you think could be done to improve the situation at the recycling centre?