GARDEN waste collections in Thurrock have been temporarily suspended due to the pressures of Covid-19.

Brown bin collections were suspended from last Thursday, with homeowners advised to store them away from the street until notice is given about the service resuming. Blue and green or grey bin collections will continue weekly. Please use your green or grey bin for food waste.

Aaron Watkins, cabinet member for environment, said: “We understand that this may well be inconvenient for some. The new guidance, including for those who are clinically extremely vulnerable to shield, as well as the continued need for contacts of positive cases to self-isolate is having an impact. A few key members of staff, who are playing their part to fight the virus by following the advice stay at home, can have a significant impact on services.”

The temporary change will be kept under review.