A WASTE site in York has reopened with a new look - and a high security fence to deter yobs who used to plague it.

The Beckfield Lane Household Waste Recycling Centre, as it is now known, features a new layout, and new facilities to make it easier for residents to use.

The improvements, carried out by City of York Council in conjunction with Yorwaste, will also increase opportunities for the recycling and composting of waste.

"It is hoped the name change will better communicate the main aim of the site, which is to enable and encourage people to compost and recycle," said a council spokesman.

"There are new larger containers for wood, green waste, cardboard and general waste, as well as facilities to recycle glass, paper, cans and textiles."

He said new signs have been made for the site, including a welcome sign and a thank you notice, telling people the amount of waste that has been recycled and composted each month.

"Containers for each of the different types of material will also be clearly signed."

He said other waste sites were set to undergo improvements in future.

"The Towthorpe site will receive a similar make-over in the autumn, while the Foss Islands site is relocating to a purpose-built site at Hazel Court in James Street, which is due to open in mid-November."

Until September 30, the centre will be open between 5pm and 7pm, Monday to Friday, and between 10am and 2pm, Saturdays and Sundays.

After October 1, it will only be open between 5pm and 7pm on Mondays and Fridays.

Yorwaste's recycling manager, John Miller, said: "People who visit Beckfield Lane will notice an immediate improvement to the site layout and these improvements will continue as we provide even more ways for people to recycle their waste.

"With improved facilities and an ongoing commitment to recycling by the people of York, we are confident that we can work with City of York Council to meet the government-set recycling targets and make it easier for local residents to divert their rubbish from landfill - and that can only be a good thing."

Acomb Labour councillor David Horton said: "It is very good news these improvements have finally been put in place.

"The site is an important facility for local people - but unfortunately it has also been something of a trouble spot in recent years.

"Hopefully, the security improvements will discourage anti-social behaviour, and the new layout will make it even easier for residents to bring their household waste for recycling."

Updated: 12:27 Tuesday, August 09, 2005