Council scales back some of its operations including collection of green waste

To help tackle COVID-19 and make sure West Suffolk Council continues to deliver services as well as additional measures for communities and businesses the authority is scaling back or stopping some operations.

This allows the council to further respond to these extraordinary times and have the capacity to make sure it is doing its bit in the fight against COVID-19.

From Monday, March 30, the Garden Waste Collection Service will be suspended to allow redeployment of crews for essential collections.

The subscription year will be extended by the period of the suspension, however long that is, to compensate. Customers for whom it has email addresses are being notified directly. All residents are asked to please keep garden waste out of their black bin either by storing in the garden for the time being or by home composting.

The bulky waste collection service will also be suspended until further notice.

Grass cutting and street cleaning will be scaled back while ensuring public safety.

New appointments for MoTs in the council’s workshops will be suspended and it is talking to customers with existing appointments, including taxi drivers, to understand their essential needs.

Emergency tree work will take place but routine scheduled work is suspended.

John Griffiths, Leader of West Suffolk Council said: “The council is making sure that we can continue to deliver the essential services our communities and businesses need as well as the new measures government has asked councils to provide. This includes following advice and instructions from health bodies and the government to care for the vulnerable and support our businesses.

“We are implementing plans already in place for such eventualities including, as now, redeploying staff to where they are most needed. We are also responding to the serious impact COVID-19 is having on individuals, communities and our businesses, with further measures to help ease the burdens they are facing. Information is being updated frequently and I recommend following West Suffolk Council social media and visiting our dedicated web pages to keep in touch.’

More information at www.westsuffolk.gov.uk/coronavirus