Leading councillor thanks residents for support they have shown virus-hit Boston bin collection crews

And she has also thanked the the people of the district for the backing they have given the team in the face of the changes and cancellations that have had to be brought in.

Around 60% of bins were not collected last week as many of the refuse collectors where either struck down with Covid-19 or forced to isolate.

But despite the issues, residents have shown support and understanding for the workers, says the councillor in charge of the service.

And one resident spoke of their gratitude for the dedication and commitment shown by the bin collection crews throughout the pandemic.

Collections across the borough had to be suspended completely from Wednesday last week until Monday this week due to the difficulties caused by absences, with more changes having to be brought in this week after further crews tested positive at the end of last week.

Household waste (green bin) collections which did not take place last week were due to take place this week, with residents asked to leave bins out until they have been collected. All recycling (blue bin) collections were cancelled this week, but residents with a purple paper and card bin should be collected as normal.

Normal collections are due to resume on Monday - February 8 - in line with the collection calendar.

Cllr Yvonne Stevens, Portfolio Holder for Waste and Recycling, said: “We have a brilliant refuse team, along with thousands of others up and down the country, they have worked every day throughout Covid collecting our waste.

“They can’t work from home, they can’t home school their children, they are out there every day working for us all and for that I am extremely grateful. The last few weeks have took a turn for them and I wish those who that have tested positive or are having to isolate are heading for a speedy recovery.

“I am overwhelmed by the support they have been shown by our residents and thank them for being so understanding. As we continue in this pandemic I would urge all of our residents to continue to keep helping us by taking extra measures and to clean the handles of their bins before and after collections to prevent the spread of Covid-19. We would also ask you to respect the Government guidelines for social distancing and not to approach our operatives whilst they are working.

“Thank you for your continued support and thanks to our frontline workers, it is very much appreciated by everyone.”

One local resident said: “I am extremely grateful for the dedication and commitment from the crews at our local council to continue working during this difficult time.

“There’s not much we can do in way of thanking them but I hope that the messages of thanks have been a real boost for the crews who are out working day after day collecting our household.

“We all know, myself included, what a nightmare it would be if waste and recycling collections were to stop.”

Residents were asked not to leave out bins that didn’t need emptying this week.

Keep an eye on local media, the Council’s website – www.bostonuk.com - and social media channels for further updates.