Three Rivers District Council says it has been forced to make a number of "difficult decisions" around the collection of waste during the coronavirus lockdown period.

With a number of the refuse and recycling crew ill or self-isolating, the council has had to re-evaluate some of the services it provides its residents.

The council has decided it is suspending garden waste collection from the end of today.

Three Rivers says this is because garden waste materials are not hazardous if left for longer than two weeks and can still be home-composted.

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Food waste should be put into refuse bins at this current time

Refuse bins will remain fortnightly.

Recycling bins will also be emptied fortnightly, alternating with your black bin, so the first recycling week will take place during the week commencing April 6.

The council has also suspended collection of bulky waste and stopped regular street sweeping for the time being.

The situation will be kept under review

Councillor Sara Bedford, leader of Three Rivers District Council, said: "Our front-line crews have been working exceptionally hard at this difficult time. I would like to thank residents for the praise and positive comments that they have given to the crews.

"Whilst we appreciate these changes are not ideal, we need to ensure that we can continue to collect as much waste as possible from households.

"Please can you wash your hands before putting your bins out, and again afterwards, to help us protect our vital work force."