A RUBBISH tip which underwent a major refurbishment earlier this year had to be closed when a digger caused a large amount of damage.

The incident happened at the Todmorden Household Waste Recycling Centre on Saturday morning, with officers cordoning off the area for public safety.

A cabin at the Eastwood site was burned and damage was caused to the yellow JCB. Officers tweeted a picture of the tip, which appeared to have been badly damaged.

Chief Insp Viv Cutbill, of Calderdale Police, said: “Police were called to an address in Halifax Road, Todmorden at 7.44am on Saturday to reports of a cabin on fire and damage caused by a JCB.

“Officers attended and the road was closed for a short time.”

The tip is run by Calderdale Council and is normally open from 8am to 4pm on Saturdays. Coun Barry Collins, cabinet member for economy and environment at the council, said: “It could not have been a busier day.

“It was a most unfortunate situation, but we obviously tried to respond appropriately on the day.

“The council arranged to have staff available to help people access whatever part of the facility was still available. We will be trying to bring the centre back in full operation as soon as possible.”

It reopened in January after a major refurbishment. The council had faced criticism for not opening on its original date earlier in the month to allow people to get rid of their Christmas rubbish.

A man in his 50s was arrested on suspicion of arson and criminal damage.