THE opening of a recycling centre near Guisborough has been delayed.

But when it opens, after the summer, the centre at Carlin Howe Farm will be bigger and better.

The household waste recycling centre was due to open in April.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council said the delay was because of expansion plans for the site, which will create a state-of-the art centre.

Cabinet member for environmental improvement, Barbara Harpham said: "It was a simple choice between a state-of-the-art recycling centre and something planned years ago - so, of course, we are grabbing the opportunity to improve our recycling to the expected Government targets."

Meanwhile, the council is encouraging residents to use the Warrenby depot - which is open from 8am until 7pm, seven days a week - or its new express collection service, promising collection within five working days for a £10 charge.

The express delivery service is proving extremely popular, with the workforce carrying out 20 pick-ups a day across the borough.

To book a pick-up time call the council's new call centre on (0845) 612 6126.

The council is also countering problems of fly-tipping at the former tip at Wilton Lane, which closed in January, with regular patrols and clean-ups.