A NUMBER of council-run services in Southampton have been put on hold amid the Covid-19 crisis.

Southampton City Council will suspend kerbside glass and garden waste collection services from tomorrow. 

The bulky waste collection service has also been temporarily halted while general waste and recycling collections for all households and flats will remain unchanged.

But the council said services will be reviewed regularly as circumstances change.

The maintenance of public grounds, including grass cutting, trimming and pruning services will also be reduced  in order to focus on health and safety priority work such as highway verges and keeping pathways and access routes clear, according to the authority.

Residents have also been asked to disinfect the handles of wheelie bins after they have put them out for collection.

In a statement the council said: "Wash your hands after you bring your bin back in and disinfect the handles again.  Studies have shown that the coronavirus can remain on plastic for up to three days.  Following the guidance will help to reduce onward transmission and also protect our waste collection operatives. Residents who have a plastic sack collection service are being asked to ensure they wash their hands before putting bag/s out."

Meanwhile, the clinical waste collection service and commercial waste and recycling collections remain unchanged.

Tree surveys, tree surgery, street cleansing and pest control will also continue, but on a limited essential maintenance service basis.

The council said that residents who are subscribed to the 2020 Garden Waste collection service will receive a renewal discount for the 2021 service that will reflect the duration of the disruption to this years’ service.

Cllr Jacqui Rayment, cabinet member for place and transport at the city council, said: “This has been a difficult decision to make as we need to keep the city running but have to prioritise the health and safety of residents and staff above everything else.

“We are also making these changes now, so that we can prioritise work and continue to provide key services in a safe and timely manner. These changes will allow us to deal with any staff absences due to sickness and self-isolation issues.

“Our priority is to try to maintain essential services throughout the difficult weeks and months ahead and to do what we can to support the health and wellbeing of residents and all of our staff who are working hard to keep delivering these core services. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this difficult time.”

Staff members from suspended services will be redeployed to help support other key service areas including those fighting the coronavirus, according to the council.