The Cheney Manor tip will be shut for the foreseeable future, Swindon Borough Council announced.

It follows the Prime Minister lockdown announcement last night, with people urged not to leave their homes unnecessarily or face being fined by the police.

The Waterside household waste recycling centre was inundated over the weekend, as self-isolating spring cleaners sought to dispose of unwanted items.

One member of staff was spat at and verbally abused, the council said. A spokesman told the Adver: “Spitting and shouting abuse at staff who are doing their absolute best to keep services running for local residents is abhorrent and we won’t stand for it. You should treat others as you hope to be treated yourself.”