Borough Council says it's "normal service" as more food waste collections are missed in parts of Northampton

Borough Council chiefs say bin collections are running normally in Northampton, despite cancelling food waste pick-ups in parts of the town for a second day running.

Staff shortages are again being blamed for the missed collections today (Wednesday April 15) for properties in an area between Southfields and Blackthorn.

Residents have been advised to take their waste food caddies back indoors until they can be collected next week.

A council statement said: "Due to a temporary reduction in staff, food waste in Ecton Brook, Rectory Farm, Great Billing, Blackthorn, Southfields, Crestwood Road and all streets and cul-de-sacs off of this street will not be collected until your next collection on Wednesday April 22.

"If your collection is missed, please take your food caddy back in and present it again next week."

A similar message yesterday told residents in an area from Boothville to Little Billing that their food waste would not be collected until next week.

Borough councillor Mike Hallam, cabinet member for environment, said: “All services are currently running as normal, however we may on occasion experience short delays to food waste collections as we deploy staff to focus on other key services.

"Residents are also being advised to regularly visit the Northampton Borough Council website for more information on areas affected and updates."

Cllr Hallam, who represents Parklands ward, added: "We are working closely with our partner Veolia to maintain essential services such as recycling and waste collections.

“I would like to thank everyone for their continued support and express special thanks to Veolia's refuse collection and street cleansing teams for their hard work and dedication in providing these essential services that help protect communities and public health during these unprecedented times.

“I want to remind households that are self-isolating to follow the Government 'Stay at home' advice. Now it’s more important than ever to ensure that recycling is clean and dry, and that rubbish bags are all securely tied to help prevent spills and protect our collection teams and the public.”