GREEN bin collections in East Dunbartonshire have been temporarily suspended.

The local authority said they have taken the decision due to pressure on operational resources. It comes into force today for two weeks.

The service will resume on Monday, November 2 for a final fortnightly cycle for all households with the service then withdrawn from November 15 rather than the end of November. The service is due to return in March 2021 following its winter break.

Thomas Glen, Depute Chief Executive, said, “Our waste team have worked tirelessly to continue an essential service during what has been a time of great uncertainty and upheaval.

“However, in recent weeks, the service has been stretched and with a further challenge in the availability of resources, it is now evident that current service levels cannot be maintained as we move forward.

“The council is having to operate essential services whilst ensuring that physical distance between employees is maintained as well as between employees and the public. This, combined with the pressure on staff levels, continues to affect frontline operations.

“We appreciate the disruption this may cause some residents and we would like to thank you once again for your patience and understanding while this service is suspended.

“The service will resume in the week beginning Monday, November 2 when there will be a final collection of garden waste to ensure all bins are emptied.

“We find that during the winter months the demand for garden waste collections reduces greatly as people are less active in the garden and there is little plant growth. However, any residents that do find they have some garden waste during these months can take it to our Mavis Valley Recycling Centre in Bishopbriggs. Alternatively, our green-fingered residents could try their hand at home composting.”