THE opening of a North-East recycling centre has been delayed to make the site even bigger.

The planned opening last month of the household waste recycling centre at Carlin Howe Farm, near Guisborough, east Cleveland, has been shelved and it is now likely to open after the summer.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council said the delay was caused because of expansion plans for the site, which will create greater usage.

The council's cabinet member for environmental improvement, Councillor 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 - open 11 hours a day, seven days a week - or use its new express collection service, promising collection within five working days for a £10 charge.

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.

The express delivery service is also proving 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.