RESIDENTS are urged to be patient and kind to Barrow’s dedicated streetcare teams as they continue refuse collection services across the borough.
The teams are facing a series of challenges as they get to grips with changing staff levels and busy streets during the ongoing global Covid-19 outbreak.
They are also observing all available precautions and social distancing rules to minimise the spread of the virus.
Councillor Ann Thomson, Barrow Borough Council leader, said she hoped people would be understanding of some inevitable disruptions to services in the coming weeks.
“Please bear with our teams, they are working so hard to make sure the collection service continues.
“They are also working with smaller team numbers and, as people are at home and streets are busier than usual with parked cars, the rounds are inevitably taking longer to complete.
“All of these things mean that collections might take place at a later time than usual.
“I would urge people to be patient, and most of all kind, to our teams as they go about their work,” Cllr Thomson added.
“These are unprecedented times and they are doing their utmost to keep our essential services running.”
New government and expert rules on staying at home and the importance of social distancing came into force last week.
They aim to help slow down the spread of the virus to relieve pressure on vital NHS services and to protect older people and those in vulnerable groups.
A number of frontline services in Barrow are now closed in line with the advice, including The Forum, the Dock Museum, Barrow Town Hall and all playgrounds, skateparks, games areas and public toilets.
With people staying at home for all but essential reasons, litter bins will not be emptied for the time being as all staff work to ensure refuse and recycling collections can continue as normal.
The green waste collection and bulky waste collections are also suspended.
Cllr Thomson added: “I am incredibly proud of our borough council teams who are working so hard behind the scenes on behalf of all residents.
“Please do what you can to minimise waste at this time, keep your area tidy and continue to observe social distancing rules.
“It has never been more important to be kind and respectful and I know people will continue to do this as we get through the weeks ahead together.”