 Last week, the shared waste service took the decision to suspend the collection of green bins. This was a decision that was not taken lightly. Managers were concerned that the coronavirus would reduce the available number of refuse collection staff to a point where normal collections would not be possible, and the managed reduction in service was preferable to trying to continue with business as usual and failure. Managers were right to be concerned. The shared waste service currently has around a third of its normal staff complement either sick or in self-isolation, and at these levels it's impossible to offer a normal level of service. We've heard that many other councils are having to take similar action or are planning to do so. The councils receive many complaints about this, as well as offers of advice. Council officers are obliged to reply to all complaints, and they will do so, but it takes time. Time that officers could be spending on contributing to the council's efforts to deal with the effects of the coronavirus of particular concern is the high number of calls received by our call centre, meaning that it's harder for vulnerable people who really need the council's help to get through. So, how can we all help? Put food waste into your black bin and continue to use your recycling blue bin as normal. Organic waste, such as vegetable peelings and grass trimmings, can be composted and ultimately spread onto your garden to provide a rich source of nutrients and improve your soil structure. Of course, you can also just use the compost heap as a mean to store the material until the green bin collection service is restored, which will hopefully be not too far into the future. We're living through exceptional times, and we all have to contribute to the nation's effort to minimise its effects. Coping with the temporary loss of the green bin collection is something that we can all do to help. Please remember that council refuse collection crews are on the front line. They can't work from home as advised by the government, and by working in the streets, they are at a higher risk in infection than most. Please bear that in mind. Thank you for listening. I hope you stay safe and well. Goodbye for now.