Snow update: Bin collections abandoned as winter weather bites

BINS went unemptied across Staffordshire today as snow which caused the closure of more than 140 schools led to further disruption.

Refuse teams in parts of Stoke-on-Trent had to abandon their collections, while rounds in the Staffordshire Moorlands and Stafford borough were also hit by the winter weather.

At least 140 schools were shut today, and the snowfall made driving conditions treacherous for rush-hour commuters.

In the Potteries, bin collections in the Blurton, Smallthorne, Middelport, Stoke and Oakhill areas were left unfinished.

A city council spokesman said: “Conditions became severe over the course of Thursday, resulting in several crews being unable to complete their rounds due to safety reasons.

“Each driver will make their own decision as to whether to return, but collections in Blurton, Smallthorne, Middleport and the Stoke/Oakhill area were incomplete.

“Crews will attempt to pick up the remainder tomorrow and over the weekend, but if this is not possible, double collections will be made next week.

“Residents should leave their bins out for collection later. Kerbside recycling has also not taken place due to the driving conditions, but double collections will be made next week.”

In the Moorlands, district council officials suspended rubbish collections and recycling services on safety grounds.

A spokesman said: “Every effort will be made to catch up on missed collections on Friday and Saturday, when crews will work extra shifts.”

The spokesman added: “All other district council services are operating as normal”.

According to the Met Office, there is more bad weather to come. Sleet and light snow is forecast in the Stoke-on-Trent area this afternoon and evening. Further snow is expected overnight, with temperatures falling as low as -1C. Visibility will be poor.