THE new northern civic amenity site on the outskirts of Ramsey has been officially opened today and will open for the public from this afternoon (Friday).

Costing more than £1 million, the site - at Balladoole Farm - offers northern residents the opportunity to recycle a wide range of items including paper, glass, metal, plastic bottles, fridge freezers and clothing.

It's hoped the facility, which was opened by the Department of Infrastructure's political member for operations, Graham Cregeen MHK, will help encourage a recycling culture.

It also includes a 're-use building' where residents can take working items for others to make use of, similar to facilities at other amenity sites on the Island.

A number of politicians attended the opening ceremony, including Chief Minister and Ramsey MHK Allan Bell, Treasury Minister and Ayre MHK Eddie Teare, Infrastructure Minister David Cretney and Middle MHK Howard Quayle.

Ramsey Commissioners were also strongly represented by a number of members and a number of local parish commissioners were also in attendance.

The new facility replaces the amenity site at Bride, close to the Point of Ayre and its position less than a mile from Ramsey means it has much easier access.

“The position of the site will save many many thousands of car miles,” said Graham Cregeen. “Our intention is that it should be the most efficient recycling amenity site on the Island.”

The site has a low visual impact with the collection skips hidden from view by being position in a lower position than at other amenity sites. The surrounding land has also been extensively landscaped with 4,000 trees planted in the last three months already starting to show signs on new growth.