MOTORISTS have criticised bosses at Barrow's tip after reduced operating hours have led to tailbacks stretching back onto the main road.

The household waste recycling centre in Walney Road recently began closing the site when full containers are being replaced for health and safety reasons.

Motorists say this has resulted in queueing traffic leading into the tip. Gina Fenwick said on one visit she was sat in her car on the main road for 25 minutes before being able to drive in.

"I work close by and I’ve seen the queues not just on a weekend but during the week as well, since this new system has been put in place," she said.

"The staff were run ragged during the two hours I visited.

"On my second visit I sat in a queue on the main road for 25 minutes without even moving, so it's hardly surprising people were getting frustrated and taking it out on the staff.

"The cars are queueing up on both sides of the A590 and causing traffic to weave through the waiting cars."

Site operator Renewi said: "The decision to close the site during container servicing was made in response to a health and safety review of the container service procedures and traffic management controls on all of the Household Waste Recycling Centres.

"The review also resulted in the closure of a number of other sites whilst a container service is taking place.

"We apologise for the disruption and would like to thank you for your patience whilst we resolve the queuing currently taking place."