Users of a newly renovated recycling centre think it is a load of rubbish.

Complaints flurried in after people using the Townmead Road reuse and recycling centre, which re-opened on Monday, April 14, were waiting in a queue of traffic for up to 45 minutes.

The five-week transformation saw a new road installed for commercial vehicles, segregated walkways and relocation of the weighbridge.

Douglas Orchard, a former mayor of the borough, who used the centre this week, said the newly renovated depot was a disaster.

He likened a member of staff who instructed vehicles to reverse to the verger in TV comedy series Dad’s Army.

The 71-year-old, who will stand as a Ukip councillor in the forthcoming borough elections, said a visit that would usually take 10 minutes took an hour.

He said: “It is an absolute disaster.

“When I went in the tailback was all the way down to Mortlake Road and when I came out I couldn’t see the end of it.

“It is a huge expense and absolute nonsense and a waste of taxpayers’ money. It is not user friendly at all.”

Richmond Council’s customer service department confirmed on Twitter the queues for the centre were 45 minutes on its first day of opening, Monday, April 14, and on the following day.

Visitors to the centre were, at times, waiting in 40-minute queues on Wednesday, April 16.

Councillor Pamela Fleming, cabinet member for environment, said: “It is very early days to start making judgements on the new Townmead and I think we need to see how it works.

“Of course there are going to be queues on the first day, having been closed for a long time.

“It is now safer and better designed and will promote recycling in the area.”