Coronavirus: Cheddar waste collection contingency plans put in place

Plans are in place to ensure the bin collections in Cheddar are not disrupted by the coronavirus.

The Somerset Waste Partnership (SWP) carries out waste collections across the entire county, and is in the process of rolling out its new Recycle More scheme which will see more items collected at the kerbside for recycling.

With two cases confirmed in Somerset as of today (March 11), no changes have yet been made to weekly collections.

However, the SWP has said it is looking at its business continuity plans in light of the Covid-19 epidemic.

A spokesman said: "Like all public services, we've always got business continuity plans to make sure we can maintain service when there's a risk of disruption, whatever the cause.

"Naturally, we're looking at those plans in light of the potential implications of Covid-19. We're listening to all the advice and guidance coming from central government and Public Health England, as well as working closely with our partner authorities and contractors."

The Recycle More scheme is being rolled out in the Mendip district in June, with the remaining parts of Somerset receiving the new collections gradually over the coming years.

As of today, six people have died from the coronavirus in Britain, with 382 total cases being reported.