Some sites are also staying open longer in an effort to keep up with demand.

Cumbria County Council says it has been forced into the move because of congestion at some waste sites.

The authority was recently praised by government inspectors for its waste management facilities.

Sites in the west of the county are to trialled, with a view to extending services across the county.

Health and safety

A council spokesman said: "The amount of waste that people want to get rid of at our amenity sites is increasing rapidly and so is the number of visits by the public.

"This has led to congestion and some concern about people's health and safety, particularly at sites in west Cumbria.

"It has also led to some fly tipping.

"We are taking action along with Cumbria Waste Management, who run the sites, to relieve this.

"We have therefore agreed to extend opening hours and increase staff.

"We shall now be looking in more detail at the situation at other sites in the Barrow, South Lakeland and Eden areas, since the problem is not confined to west Cumbria.

"We believe the increases are the result of changes in domestic refuse collection by borough and district councils."

A recent Audit Commission study, while highlighting poor management and problems in social services, praised the authority's efforts in recycling.