COUNCIL chiefs have outlined their plans for dealing with refuse collections in severe weather this winter.

With more snow and ice affecting the district over the past few years, South Bucks District Council has fitted its refuse vehicles with winter tyres and crews have been issued with crampons for their shoes.

If vehicles cannot access untreated roads, where possible, crews will return later in the day to see if conditions have improved.

Refuse collections can also sometimes be cancelled if the disposal facility is closed – a decision outside of the council’s control.

South Bucks District Councillor Nick Naylor says: “Cancelling collections because of snow and ice is an absolute last resort however, the safety of our residents and crews is our top priority and in some instances it is simply not safe to make collections.

“We will make every effort to keep the rounds to schedule if there is inclement weather however untreated roads and icy conditions makes driving refuse vehicles weighing up to 20 tonnes extremely hazardous.”

SBDC, which covers waste collections for Beaconsfield and Gerrards Cross, recently announced an overhaul of its collection and recycling policy, which is due to roll out in February.

To receive updates on service disruptions via e-mail, send a message to recycling@southbucks.gov.uk to be put on the e-mail alert list.