As we all take some well-earned rest over Christmas, a dedicated group of workers from Bucks Council are gearing up to keep public services running during the festive period.

 

Some of those working in Neighbourhood Services have shared the things they enjoy most about Christmas – and how residents can help manage waste, and find out how services will run over the festive break.

 

Lorraine Bolton is a driver team leader.

Bucks Free Press:

What is the best thing about Christmas? “I really enjoy seeing my four-year-old little boy start to understand Christmas and my eight-year-old daughter help out.”

 

Tell us what your job is like at Christmas time: “The residents on my round are always so friendly so it’s even nicer to see them around Christmas.

 

“Food waste gets very heavy around this time of year, residents can help me and my crew by ensuring their food is contained in a plastic or compostable bag, loose food does get messy for us.”

 

Anthony Lawler is a loader for waste collection and trainee driver team leader.

Bucks Free Press:

What is the best thing about Christmas? “It has to be family. Being from Liverpool it’s great when they come down to visit.”

 

Tell us what your job is like at Christmas time: “The Christmas spirit is great, residents are friendly and show their appreciation.

 

“Residents can help me by ensuring their extra recycling is presented in a clear bag or cardboard box, I cannot accept black bags as I cannot see what they contain.”

 

Sean Stolp is grounds maintenance team leader in Bucks.

Bucks Free Press:

What is the best thing about Christmas? “It’s great to have all the family together.”

 

Tell us what your job is like at Christmas time: “Due to the season, grounds maintenance comes to a bit of standstill around winter so I’m one of the few lucky ones in frontline services to not have to work.”

 

Cllr Peter Strachan, cabinet member for climate change and environment said: “We are all extremely grateful for the hard work put in by our neighbourhood teams across the county, not just during the festive period but throughout the whole year.

 

“Their efforts are to be applauded for the work they do in keeping our local communities safe and clean.”

 

Refuse collections

 

Refuse collection dates will change over the festive period to allow for bank holidays. Visit the council website to check when your collections will take place. 

 

There are also lots of ways you can help reduce waste and recycle as much as possible. Visit the Recycle for Buckinghamshire website to find out more.