A household waste centre has been officially saved from closure after a final vote from the council today.

The recycling centre in Allum Lane, Elstree, has been officially saved following months of uncertainty about its future.

Hertfordshire County Councillors voted today at a Cabinet meeting in County Hall, Hertford, to accept councillor Terry Douris’ proposals for the future of the county’s 17 recycling centres.

Cllr Douris recommended that cabinet members approve the new proposals for all sites to remain open – albeit with reduced hours.

He said: “I am pleased that we agree to retain these two sites, thus retaining all of our 17 sites. All the sites have been separated into pairs, ensuring there is always a site open.”

All members approved the plans, meaning the Elstree site will now open from 8am to 4pm on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, and from 9am to 4pm at the weekends.

The site will close on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and cllrs Leon Reefe and Morris Bright are working with officers to establish whether different summer opening hours would be possible.

Leader of the Council Robert Gordon said the decision to retain all sites shows that the council’s commitment to recycling is high and will remain high.