RECYCLING sites across Somerset will be closing earlier from the start of next month as they start operating on winter timetables.

All of the county’s 16 recycling sites switch to their new hours from Tuesday, October 1, meaning on weekdays, they will continue to start at 9am but close earlier, at 5pm.

Year-round Saturday and Sunday hours remain 9am to 4pm at all 16 sites.

Summer hours - which see opening 9am to 6pm when sites are open weekdays - will resume on Wednesday, April 1 2020.

"With an impressive average recycling rate of more than 76%, the recycling sites network is open every day of the year except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day to take dozens of materials," said a Somerset Waste Partnership (SWP) spokesperson.

"Simultaneous with the switch to winter hours, the recycling site van and trailer permit scheme is rolling on unchanged, with the expiry date of September 30 2019 on permit cards no longer valid.

"Residents should carry on using their permits unless their details change, such as their address or vehicle. Only then do they need to apply for a new permit and destroy their old card."

For more information on recycling sites and permits, visit: https://www.somersetwaste.gov.uk/ and click on recycling centres.

The 16 SWP-operated recycling sites set to change hours are those in Bridgwater (Saltlands), Castle Cary (Dimmer), Chard, Cheddar, Crewkerne, Dulverton, Frome, Highbridge, Minehead, Somerton, Street, Taunton (Priorswood), Wellington (Poole), Wells (Dulcote), Williton and Yeovil.