POLICE were called to a recycling centre over fears a “hazardous” item had been fly-tipped outside the gates.

Rayleigh Recycling Centre was closed this morning for an hour as specialist teams investigated the dumped item.

Police were called to the centre at 9am after staff discovered the item though to be “potentially hazardous”.

By 10.10am the centre had been reopened, after police concluded the item was safe.

An Essex County Council spokesman said: “Rayleigh Recycling Centre was closed this morning from 9am to 10.10am due to staff discovering a potentially hazardous fly-tipped item outside the gates.

“Essex Police were called to check for any hazardous materials and as a precaution they advised to keep a 50m cordon in place until they arrived.

“Residents were advised of a delay to the site opening and the police attended promptly to confirm that the item was not hazardous.

“On receiving the all clear from Essex Police, the site reopened at 10.10am and the fly-tipped item has been disposed of.

 

“All bookings for Rayleigh Recycling Centre are being honoured and we apologise for any disruption caused to residents.”