GARDEN waste collections in Colchester have been suspended for the rest of this week due to extreme heat.

Colchester Council had initially hoped to only have disruption on Tuesday but has now said no collections will take place for the rest of the week.

Residents must take their garden waste back in and then re-present it on the next schedule collection date.

Garden waste is collected on a two week rota in the borough.

Households will only be able to put out the usual four white sacks or wheelie bin on the next collection date.

A spokesman for the council said: “Our Garden Waste service is suspended this week due to extreme heat.

“This is so we can redeploy crews to help collect all other recycling & rubbish as usual as quickly as possible and catch up from missed collections.

“Please take your garden waste back in and re-present it on your next scheduled garden waste collection day and don’t put out more than 4 white sacks or your wheelie bin on your next collection.”

The council has also given an update on what to do if your bin bags or recycling was missed this week.

The spokesman added: “If we miss your recycling or rubbish bin/bag this week, please leave it on the boundary for collection the following day.

“Our crews will be out catching up. You will not be able to log your missed collection this week.

“Collections will return to normal from Tuesday 26 July.

“We understand this will be frustrating and inconvenient, and we apologise for the inconvenience caused.”