GARDEN waste collections in the Cotswolds are to restart next week.

Cotswold District Council has announced that fortnightly collections will resume from Wednesday, May 13.

Cllr Andrew Doherty, cabinet member for waste and recycling, said: “Over the last few weeks we have needed to use our garden waste vehicles and crews to support the main waste and recycling collections while some staff have had to take time off sick, to self-isolate or to look after loved ones affected by Covid-19.

"During that time our team has worked hard, alongside our waste partner Ubico, to find a way to return these vehicles and crews to their normal rounds.

“We are now able to resume garden waste collections and they will be operating to the published collection schedule. Customers due for a collection on Wednesday, May 13, will be the first to receive it.

“We know that people may have accumulated green waste during the lockdown and we ask that you continue to keep composting.

"We’d also like to encourage residents to join in with Plantlife UK’s 'No Mow May' (.plantlife.org.uk/everyflowercounts/) campaign to help wildlife in your garden and lower the demand on the service as we restart it.

“I’d like to thank the 22,000 households who have been affected by the suspension for their patience. I would also commend the crews who have worked tirelessly to keep the essential waste and recycling services running for all 45,000 households in our district.

“We are anticipating a risk that we may not always be able to collect from all properties on their scheduled day. In these circumstances, we advise residents to leave their bins presented until they have been emptied, which should be the next day.”

Cllr Richard Morgan, leader of the opposition Conservative group said: "We are obviously pleased that the administration has finally agreed to restart garden waste collections on May 13 as we have been calling for the resumption of this service for almost three weeks.

"The Cotswolds is literally a stand-alone island in terms of not collecting garden waste and all of our neighbouring councils have maintained their service throughout the pandemic.

"However, it's welcome news that the Lib Dem administration have finally responded to the pressure put on them and have now confirmed a date for the resumption of this vital and precious service."

Sir Geoffrey Clifton Brown MP added: “I am delighted that due to sustained pressure from Cotswold Tories the Liberal Democrat run Cotswold District Council has finally listened to its residents demands and finally announced a resumption of the garden waste collection service next week.”

Gloucestershire County Council’s Household Waste Recycling Centres are not yet reopening, in line with Government advice around what is and isn’t an essential journey.