This was the scene on the approach to the tip on Park Road in Newhall on Monday morning.

The refuse centre was open to the public again for the first time since the Government's Coronavirus lockdown was introduced in March.

And Derbyshire County Council were controlling entry to the site with a new access system based on car registration numbers.

On Monday, it was cars whose plates ended with an even number who were being admitted.

But despite signs warning of possible queues ahead, the site was quiet during mid-morning.

However, this afternoon, the county council's Recycling Centre Location page was reporting a waiting time of one hour at 3.15pm.

But Swadlincote Nub News readers were quick to point out that there did not appear to be any queues outside the tip at that time.

The county council tweeted: 'Check queue times for our recycling centres before you travel with hourly updates Recycling centre waiting times

'Our sites will be busy today so please avoid if possible.'

Last week, the county council gave details of how the centre would be operating.

The site, known as the Bretby Household Waste Recycling Centre, at Park Road, will have new social distancing measures in place to protect residents and staff.

The centre, operated by Derbyshire County Council, will use a new access system.

Vehicles will be allowed into recycling centres on certain days depending on whether the last number on their number plate is odd or even.

Those with 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 as the last number will be allowed in on even numbered dates in the month and those with 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 will be allowed in on odd numbered dates in the month.

As well as controlling access; users of the centre must follow the following guidelines:

• Only travel to the local recycling centre if it is essential because you can't continue to store waste safely at home without it causing injury or harm. No other reason for the journey would be considered a legitimate purpose.

• Please use your regular waste and recycling collections and bulky waste services where possible or store until sites are operating as normal

• If your journey is essential then check which day you can access the recycling centres based on your vehicle number plate and please be prepared to queue as social distancing measures mean fewer vehicles will be allowed on site at any one time

• Avoid taking excessive amounts of waste to keep vehicles moving in and out as quickly as possible to help reduce queue times. That means leaving vans and trailers at home

• Wear protective gloves, appropriate footwear and clothing and only bring what you can safely handle as staff will not be able to help you carry your waste as they normally would.

• Keep the number of people on site to a minimum by travelling alone – unless you need another adult from your household to help carry your waste – stay at least two metres away from staff and other users and wash your hands when you get home.

• Stay at home if you have had coronavirus symptoms in the last 14 days, are self-isolating or at high risk of contracting the virus.

The Saturday freighter service, operated by South Derbyshire District Council, will remain suspended until further notice as, due to the nature of the service and the locations visited, it is not possible to maintain social distancing.

The Salvation Army textile collections also remain suspended for the time being.

All other kerbside waste and recycling collections (black, green and brown bins) continue to be carried out as usual.