GARDEN waste collections are “taking longer” than usual after collections in Basingstoke and Deane resumed on Monday (November 15) following more than a month of cancellation.

As previously reported, in October, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council announced a temporary suspension of collections due to "staffing levels caused by the national HGV driver shortage" and "to protect core waste and recycling collection services".

Last week a spokesperson for the council said that the situation has "stabilised" and collections can return.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council said their crews are working “really hard” on garden waste collections after the service resumed on Monday.

They said that lots of bins are still full and as a result the rounds are taking longer than usual.

They urged residents that collections will be taking place on Saturday, November 20 and encouraged residents to leave bins out.

On Facebook they said: “Our crews are working really hard on garden waste collections after the service resumed on Monday 15 November.

“Many bins are very full and as a result the rounds are taking slightly longer than usual, with some customers receiving their collection the day after it was due.

“Collections will be taking place on Saturday so please leave your bin out. The crews will get to you as soon as they can and they appreciate your patience and understanding."

The fortnightly service restarts following an ongoing review by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, Hart District Council and contractor Serco.

Serco has worked to recruit drivers by offering increased salaries and enhanced benefits packages and are now in a position to offer a regular scheduled garden waste collection service. However, staffing levels will continue to be reviewed during the winter period.

They will also begin again in Hart on Monday, November 22.

Both councils anticipated that on the first collection a large number of full bins will be put out for collection and asked customers to bear with crews as they work their way around the area.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s cabinet member for recycling and waste Cllr Hayley Eachus said: “I want to thank our crews for their hard work during an incredibly difficult year and also our garden waste customers for their patience while we navigated the difficulties brought about firstly by the COVID-19 pandemic and then the HGV driver shortage.

“It is great news that we can start garden waste collections again in time for the autumn leaf fall and Christmas period.”

Cllr Alan Oliver, cabinet member for environment at Hart District Council, added: “This has been a frustrating time for our customers, and we thank them for bearing with us while we work alongside our partners to reinstate the service. I thank everyone involved in getting us to this position.”

You can find the latest information on the council’s website at www.basingstoke.gov.uk/gardenwaste or www.hart.gov.uk/waste-recycling.