GREEN bin collection will resume in Malpas next month, Cheshire West and Chester council has revealed.

The fortnightly collection was suspended in March at the start of the coronavirus pandemic lockdown as staff sickness levels in the workforce increased, and this decision ensured the domestic waste and recycling service could continue to operate as normal.

Staff sickness levels have fallen in recent weeks and more staff are now available to collect residents' garden waste in addition to providing the usual service.

Green bin collection will now resume at 7am on Thursday, June 4.

Councillor Karen Shore, deputy leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council and Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Strategic Transport, explained the decision.

"We recognise that the garden waste service is important to our residents, especially during a period of good weather during the lockdown when many people have been spending time in their gardens," said Cllr Shore.

"Following a reduction in staffing levels, it was a necessary decision to postpone this service in order to ensure there were enough staff available to continue collecting kerbside waste and recycling while socially distancing.

"It is good news COVID-related absence levels have dropped and we have the workforce available to start collecting garden waste again.

"Please tell your neighbours, friends and family so they are aware of the restart date and do not miss the first collection.

"We recognise the inconvenience this has caused and I would like to thank everyone for your patience."

Collections will return to the previously advertised schedule. Residents are asked not to overfill their bins or leave side garden waste, as the council will not be able to collect any garden waste that is not in the green bin.

Bins should be out out by 7am on normally scheduled collection day.