The Pepperhill refuse centre will remain closed until at least August while the site is decontaminated, Kent County Council has confirmed.

Since a fire broke out at the Pepperhill Household Waste and Recycling Centre in Gravesend at the end of April, the site has been closed to the public.

Residents in Dartford and Gravesham have been advised to use alternative centres such as the Dartford or Swanley Household Waste Recycling Centre.

Now it seems people will not be able to return to Pepperhill for several months, as the council is undertaking "significant work" at the site.

A statement from the council confirmed the waste centre needed to be decontaminated as a result of high chlorine levels produced by the fire. According to the council, this could take about eight weeks to complete.

Once this process has finished, a further two to four weeks is needed to fully assess the damage caused by the fire and replace things like lights and electrical systems.

KCC waste services manager Kay Groves said: : “We appreciate that while the site is closed it will be inconvenient for people wanting to get rid of their waste.

“This incident has created severe pressures on the surrounding Household Waste Recycling Centres, particularly Dartford Heath, Swanley and the Medway site at Cuxton.

“At the moment we have planned for the site to be closed until August to undertake the first phase of decontamination.

“We will then look to temporarily open the site once the first phase is complete, whilst planning, preparation, design and procurement of the works related to the roof removal takes place.

“The second phase closure is earmarked for October/November or February when seasonal demand is at its lowest.

“We will endeavour to have part closures of the site to lessen the impact, but safety is priority.”

The Council is considering extending the opening hours at the Swanley and Dartford centres.