The Council have failed to issue any update during the last 24 hours on the progress that they are making with the “catch up” bin collections.

This appears to be the position

Most grey bins in sub-urban areas – which were due to be emptied on 1st January – were completed on Saturday.

There was no sign though of the recycling crews, who we were told were working over the weekend. Most households, who are able to, have now taken their recycling back in pending collection on Tuesday.

There are considerable amounts of litter drift across affected estates.

Those that are unable to store their recycling inside, face particular problems. Blocks of flats like Centurion Court in the City centre depend on regular recycling collections. Any failure can lead to health and safety issues.

Meanwhile the paper banks at sites like the Acomb Car park (near Morrisons) are full to overflowing. There is space in the bottle banks now but some cans are being dumped.

Many of the few remaining litter bins (over 300 were scrapped in the summer) are also stuffed solid.