SOUTHEND residents will be banned from using recycling centres run by Essex County Council, and those living in Rochford will be banned from using those in Southend from tomorrow.

Those wanting to use the centres will need to bring proof of address to show they live in the right area.

Southend residents will continue to use the Stock Road, Southend, and Leigh Marshes, Leigh sites, but Rochford residents who previously could are now not allowed to.

Essex residents will still have access to any of the 21 sites provided by Essex County Council.

For Rochford residents this would mean they can still take their rubbish to the site located in Rayleigh (or another Essex site if more convenient).

The county council says that during March staff at the Rayleigh centre will work with residents and service users to help them understand the new process.

To use the Rayleigh recycling centre, Essex residents may be asked to bring along a form of identification, such as a council tax bill or driving licence. 

Essex County Council has not yet responded to requests to find out why the changes are being made.