As the country moves out of lockdown following the peak of the coronavirus pandemic, Lancashire councils have been slowly reopening rubbish tips across the county.

In May, tips reopened on an appointment-only basis using an online application, but for centres outside of Blackburn with Darwen the rules are changing.

From Monday, people with cars will no longer need to book appointments to use tips managed by Lancashire County Council.

Instead, the Council is asking people to make only essential trips to bin their household waste.

However, if they need to dump waste using a van or a trailer, people must still book online and visit the centres from Friday.

In Blackburn with Darwen, all residents are still required to book a slot online and can visit every day except Wednesday, but the council confirmed that more slots have been made available to locals each day.

People who use vans, such as traders and construction workers, still require a permit to get access to the centres.

A Blackburn with Darwen Council spokesperson said: “We promised to continually review the new booking system at our household waste recycling centres in both Blackburn and Darwen.

“The appointment system is working really well in managing the numbers at the sites to allow for social distancing

“Due to the success, we're now pleased to announce that we are able to offer more slots each week.”

On its website, the council warns against the temptation of leaving waste outside the centres, which is classed as fly tipping - a criminal offence for which people can be prosecuted.

The Council added that people from outside Blackburn with Darwen are not able to use the tips, but it is unclear whether the same applies to Blackburn residents who want to use other tips in Lancashire.

HOUSEHOLD RUBBISH TIPS IN EAST LANCASHIRE

Blackburn - George Street West (BB2 1PQ)

Darwen - Spring Vale Road (BB3 2ES)

Accrington – Whinney Hill Road (BB5 5EN)

Barnoldswick – West Close Road (BB18 5EN)

Burnley - Balderstone Lane (BB10 2TJ)

Clitheroe - Henthorn Road (BB7 3BY)

Haslingden – Duckworth Clough (BB4 5AN)