A resident says the number of people using the waste and recycling centre in Cuxton is causing huge problems on the A228 and is just an accident waiting to happen.

Colin Ager, 43, says since the closure of the Pepperhill Recycling Centre in Gravesend, following a huge blaze, he’s noticed the tip in Cuxton is much busier.

He says the site is not fit for purpose and it just can’t cope with the amount of people using it.

Traffic backing up Sundridge Hill, is causing problems for not only people living in the area, but others driving along the busy road.

Mr Ager, who lives in the village, said: “I’ve seen it closed down at least a couple of times, and staff put signs out.

“It just can’t cope, the entrance is not very good either and needs to be re-planned there is no room for traffic to queue up on the road.

“I saw a lorry stuck in the queue the other day and the driver just went on the wrong side of the road to get past it, it is dangerous.”

Medway Council, which employs Medway Norse to manage the site, says all Medway sites have been busier following the closure of Pepperhill, but Cuxton has seen the largest increase of waste going through the site.

The authority says people should try and avoid using the Medway sites at the busier times, which are usually around 11am until 2pm.

Sarah Valdus, Medway Council’s head of environment, said: “The Cuxton household waste and recycling centre has been busier since the closure of the site in Pepperhill.

“During busy periods, when traffic is queuing on the A228, we temporarily close the site and reopen it once traffic has dispersed and it is safe to do so.

“We have increased the number of staff on site to help members of the public and we have also asked our contractor to visit the site and empty the waste containers more regularly.

“Staff are also managing the site entrance to ensure all vehicles are using both lanes when entering the centre, to reduce the impact on the main road.

“We understand this is causing concern for residents and we will continue to monitor the situation.”

The authority also said it is working alongside Kent County Council, which owns Pepperhill, while it works on getting the site reopened as quickly as possible.

What do you think? Write to us at medwaymessenger@thekmgroup.co.uk