NO alternative site will be set up while the Newland waste site is closed, Malvern Hills district councillors heard this week.

The site, run by Severn Waste Services for Worcestershire County Council, will be closed for 20 weeks this autumn for refurbishment.

At a meeting of the district council on Tuesday (June 24), Coun Graham Myatt asked what alternative arrangements would be made.

Deputy leader Paul Cumming said there were other waste sites at Upton, Ledbury and Hallow Road, near Worcester, which people could use.

Corporate director Colin Davis said: "A temporary site in Malvern would require licensing from the Environment Agency and planning permission. There will not be time to get that done."

He said the county council was looking at the possibility of extending the opening hours at the Upton site.