BLIZZARD conditions and forecasts for more snow are having an impact on refuse and recycling collections.
While the vast majority of collections were undertaken in County Durham as normal last week, there were some problems in some places due to difficult conditions on high ground.
Durham County Council is asking residents to be patient and promised to return to pick up any missed collections as soon as it is safe to do so.
Catch-up crews have attempted to carry out additional collections in some areas missed last week, but in many cases they have found conditions too dangerous.
Extra collections in these areas have been suspended to protect residents and staff, with the council to return to the worst-hit areas with additional crews when the weather improves.
Oliver Sherratt, the council’s head of direct services, said: “Our fleet drivers have battled to manoeuvre 26-tonne vehicles on icy roads.
“In some areas we have deployed crews on foot to push the bins out and wherever possible we have diverted Streetscene staff on to snow clearing duties.
“If your regular collection is missed then leave out your refuse or recycling and we will look for any opportunity to return. We are really sorry for any inconvenience but I feel sure everyone will understand that public safety is the most important factor.”
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