A RECYCLING centre for Ravenstonedale will be up-and-running by April after councillors voted in favour for the long-awaited facility.

Eden District Council's environment committee met last Thursday to approve the plans for the £5,000 centre nine years after proposals were first put on the table.

The centre will be located on a grass verge behind Ravenstonedale Endowed School and will take paper, glass and cans.

It will serve Ravenstonedale, which has a population of 560, and several surrounding villages including Newbiggin-on-Lune.

Residents currently have to travel to Tebay and Kirkby Stephen to visit the nearest recycling centres.