Tip-users are being encouraged to head to Royston while improvements to the Letchworth site are carried out.

The Blackhorse Road centre – which has been the subject of frustration for many who have sat in queues to enter the site over the past six months, while nearby businesses have also spoken out after been hit by the gridlock – will close for four days from Tuesday, December 1.

Herts County Council hopes that providing more parking will reduce queueing at the site, which is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

The Royston centre at Beverley Close will be open between 8am and 4pm while the improvements are carried out in Letchworth.

Councillor Richard Thake, who is responsible for waste management at County Hall, said: “The Letchworth centre is a very well-used service but we know that queuing is sometimes a problem.

“We’ve explored options to extend the site but land that could possibly be available next to the centre is not suitable. Even if it was, expansion would be a very expensive and lengthy process due to planning and environmental considerations.

“Ultimately while relocation of the centre remains a priority, we’ve identified some short-term measures to improve performance.

“By removing old and failing compaction equipment and re-thinking the site layout, we’re able to increase the number of drop off points from 13 to 28, which should significantly reduce queuing.

“Improved access to containers and additional capacity for recyclable materials mean visitors will be able to dispose of their waste faster and spend less time at the centre.

“I believe this is good news for residents as these changes should significantly improve their experience.

“People can also make use of their regular kerbside recycling.”