Bin crews say thank you to residents

Council's bin crews have been overwhelmed by the messages of support and appreciation shown to them by residents.

Messages of thank from residents

A full refuse service has continued to be delivered by bin crews despite the Coronavirus outbreak.

Residents have reacted to this by showing their appreciation whilst the bin crews have been out collecting.

Bins are continuing to be collected on time including garden waste service, a testament to their dedication.

Mick Murphy, Head of Local Services and Waste Management said "I would like to take this opportunity to thank the residents of Newcastle for their lovely messages and support for Local services staff in these difficult times, we are receiving notes and posters attached to bins with messages of thanks and even rounds of applause whilst on the rounds.

"As a resident of Newcastle and an employee of NCC I am extremely proud of our service and our City, but also proud of our residents for the support they have given to our staff.

"Thank you and stay safe."

Trending stories

Whilst the waste industry recognises the difficult or impossible nature for refuse crews to adhere to social distancing, Newcastle City Council has been able to work with colleagues in other parts of the authority and local businesses to utilise 35 minibuses to ferry staff around and ensure social distancing rules can be met.

Council's bins continue to be collected

To enable bin crews to operate within government guidelines around social distancing, the council has provided minibuses that have been utilised from our Special Education and Needs Disability service. Staff from this service drive the in crews around so that safe social distancing measures can be met.

Bin crews are also following other stringent measures including gloves and facemasks being worn.

Councillor Nick Kemp, Cabinet Member for Environment and Regulatory Services said “Whilst we are facing the most significant public health challenge of a lifetime, I am immensely proud that through collaboration across council services we have been able to be truly innovative and continue to deliver these core services for our residents whilst ensuring the health and safety, and wellbeing of our staff is a number one priority.

“We’ve been able to utilise staff and minibuses from our Special Education Needs and Disability team who are driving our crews around. This joint working approach has meant that we are able to continue, in these most unusual of times to deliver frontline services and protect our workers.

“These are very difficult times, and I’m incredibly proud of our Local Services and Waste team who continue to provide a full collection service to our residents, this is a true demonstration of public service and I applaud all council staff for the way they have stepped forward to continue council services.

“I ask the public if you see you service crews, shout out thanks and applaud these amazing people.”

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the residents of Newcastle for their lovely messages and support for Local services staff in these difficult times, we are receiving notes and posters attached to bins with messages of thanks and even rounds of applause whilst on the rounds.