AN alternative waste site is to be put in place in Worcester after mounting criticism over the temporary closure of the Bilford Road tip.

The Worcester News can today reveal that two sites are being considered by Worcestershire County Council following scores of complaints and signs of an increase in fly-tipping.

But the authority has not revealed where the sites are and could not confirm when it hopes to have a venue up-and-running. Councillor Derek Prodger, Worcester-shire's cabinet member for environmental services, said: "I am pleased to say that we are looking at two possible sites as an alternative for Bilford Road while that is closed for refurbishment. I cannot say where these sites are at the moment as we have to talk to the owners, but I am confident that measures will soon be in place. There has been some criticism, even from my colleagues, that I am sitting here not doing anything.

"That is not true, I am aware of people's feelings, and am doing my best to resolve the situation."

One of those to be critical is Councillor John Buckley, the chairman of the county council's overview and scrutiny committee, who warned fly-tipping would increase as a result of the tip closure.

The tip closed for refurbishment on Saturday, June 3 and is set to be closed for another five months. In a letter to Coun Prodger, a copy of which was sent to the Worcester News, Coun Buckley asked: "Who is running your department, you or our officers, and why you are not putting your case to cabinet to resolve this problem?"

However, Coun Buckley said he was relieved at the council's pledge to find other sites.

He said: "At last they are responding to a situation that is obviously going to get worse if nothing is done.

"I would like to know where these sites are though, and when they will be up and running."

As reported last week, fly-tipping concerns were proved to have come true when piles of rubbish, including asbestos, were dumped in Liverpool Road on the Ronkswood estate.