TIPS and recycling centres across Wirral are now closed due to the coronavirus pandemic as bosses said they were "not one of the four reasons given for leaving your home."

The Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority (MRWA) announced the closures on Tuesday, March 24 after Boris Johnson ordered people to stay at home to slow the spread of the virus.

It means all household waste recycling centres across Merseyside are closed with immediate effect until further notice.

On their website the MRWA said the Prime Minister's instructions were clear and visits to the sites were not one of the four essential reasons to leave home.

Boris Johnson announced said people must stay at home for at least three weeks and can only leave for the following reasons: Shopping for basic necessities like food and medicine – but you should do this “as infrequently as possible” and use food delivery services “where you can.”

One form of exercise a day, such as a run, walk or cycle. This can be done alone, with members of your household.

Any medical need, to give care or to help a vulnerable person.

Travelling to and from work, but only if this is “absolutely necessary” and cannot be done from home.

However, some people on social media worried this would increase fly-tipping and questioned why it isn’t classed as an essential service.

Twitter user, @meolscop1978 said: "Is this not an essential service? Will this not encourage fly tipping?"

A second user, @AnaFediajeva added: "This is ridiculous on many levels, some already mentioned. Also, it's a place where people can easily stay away from each other, or they could let a few cars in at a time, what the hell was the problem?"

Third user @Migsminis also said: "People at home clearing stuff out, gardening, making themselves useful and the tips close where are people supposed to put it all? Not very joined up is it?

“Keeping these centres open and collecting bins is essential for health, hygiene & keeping areas tidy. I report enough litter and fly tipping as it is. This will make things worse."

Councillor Tony Concepcion, chairman of the MRWA, and chief executive Carl Beer said the decision was to protect the public and staff.

Cllr Concepcion said: “All the Household Waste Recycling Centres will be closed for the foreseeable future – do not make a journey to any of our Centres as you will be turned away.

“We’ve made this decision to protect residents, staff at the sites, and the wider public.

“We of course apologise for the inconvenience this may cause residents but we would ask that everyone follows the Government’s strict instructions at this time and not make any non-essential journeys and undertake non-essential activities.

“We are working with our District Councils partners in order to maintain kerbside waste collection services, and will provide further updates with them on this in the coming hours and days.”