A WORCESTER tip will close for almost six months after a shock decision was made to shut the site for refurbishment.

Users have been told to travel to Droitwich, Pershore or Malvern to recycle once the Bilford Road tip shuts on Saturday, June 3, for 23 weeks.

But there is growing concern that the move will increase fly-tipping across Worcester.

Furious Worcester MP Mike Foster called it the "daftest decision of the decade" and said unless the county council changes its mind, recycling will suffer.

Although there is another tip serving St John's along Horsford Road, most people using the Bilford Road site would have to battle across Worcester traffic to reach it.

On Saturday users were handed leaflets advising them to travel elsewhere to recycle.

The refurbishment is being done to make the site more modern and provide more bays for people to dump their waste.

Mr Foster said: "Firstly, this site should not be refurbished at all. It needs moving to a permanent venue on an industrial estate and should not be next to residential properties.

"Secondly, which Einstein at County Hall thought closing the recycling centre during the peak summer season was a good idea.

"If the decision is not reversed, fly-tipping will soar across the city and recycling rates will fall.

"This daft decision flies in the face of common sense. We should be making it easier for people to recycle, not having them travel miles to have to do it."

The city council's concern now is that it will increase fly-tipping throughout the city.

Head of environmental services Mike Harrison said: "If there is a concern, it is that we may have to deal with more fly tipping.

"It's difficult to trace the people that do this kind of thing."

George Beauthamp, from Malvern Link waste site, Worcester Road, who will have to take on extra waste, said: "It does get a bit hectic here in the week.

"It won't be easy but I think we will cope. We'll have to wait and see."

A Worcestershire County Council spokesman said: "Bilford Road Household Waste site will undergo a major refurbishment for the second half of the year to create a user friendly facility.

"The layout of Bilford Road will be altered to ensure it is easier to use.

"Plans include a one-way traffic system to improve safety for users of the site, meaning people will be able to pass through more quickly and efficiently."

The site will also be open on Sundays and open for longer during the week and Saturday.

l Boxes of ammunition were found at the site yesterday, sparking a police hunt for whoever dumped them off.

A security guard found boxed bullets suitable for a .22 rifle at the site at 8.30am.

Police are not aware of any ammunition leaving the site but said parents who find children playing with any should contact them immediately.

Anyone who has any information on the unwanted ammunition are asked to contact Worcester Police on 08457 444 888.