A RECYCLING centre in Redditch has closed today (Monday, October 12) following the death of a member of staff.

Worcestershire County Council Highways & Travel initially tweeted that the Household Waste Recycling Centre on Crossgate Road was closed due to "unforeseen circumstances".

A spokesperson for Severn Waste Services said: "We can confirm that a member of staff at the Redditch Household Recycling Centre passed away whilst on site this morning from what we believe to be natural causes.

"Our colleague was a long serving and well liked member of the team and he will be sorely missed. 

"Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends at this very sad time."

Worcestershire County Councillor Pattie Hill, for Arrow Valley West, said on Facebook this morning: "Redditch household recycling centre is closed. Sad news....member of staff deceased this am."

On Twitter, Mike Rouse, deputy leader of Redditch Borough Council tweeted: "We all pay tribute to the staff member who has sadly passed away and offer our condolences to his family.

"Staff at the recycling centre work hard and are very much appreciated by the community here in Redditch. Our thoughts are with them all."