A WELSH council has been forced into a U-turn over its decision to re-open recycling and waste centres after trade-union protests.

Merthyr Tydfil Council had decided to start up its sites in Dowlais and Aberfan from Monday next week.

But public-service unions Unison and GMB said the decision was “reckless and unnecessary.”

The unions said re-opening sites would encourage the public to breach government guidance on travel and social distancing.

They advised members not to return to work at the two centres and protested to the council, which yesterday reversed its decision.

The council said in a statement: “A decision has now been made not to open our household-waste recycling centres on Monday as communicated earlier in the week.

“This decision has been made in line with a direction from Welsh government today and the relevant government guidelines.”

Unison regional organiser Steve Belcher said: “We welcome the council’s decision.”