[H2) ST MARY'S CLERIC LEAD 'THANK FOR YOUR SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY' SALUTE TO COUNCIL WORKERS[.H2]

THE ARTISTES formerly known as 'bin men and women' are collecting their own version of Grammys and Oscars from a grateful Atherstone public in these coronavirus-dominated times.

Praise is being heaped from all quarters of the town and district as North Warwickshire Borough Council asks households to refrain from putting out side waste during the Covid-19 crisis.

The townsfolk are responding with plaudits after the local authority admitted it was doing its very best to "keep the bin service running" – and calling on borough householders for help.

The Atherstone-based borough council says it cannot collect side waste in the coronavirus crisis as refuse operatives are under too much pressure – with each round emptying more than 1,000 bins every day

"We need to keep waste contained to ensure that it can be stored and emptied safely in order to protect the public and our staff from Covid-19," a council statement posted on forums read.

Put simply from a posting on social media: If a lot of side waste is collected, the rounds won't be completed.

St Mary's Rev Michael Brandsma led the "thanks for your service to the community" on Atherstone People's Forum which has been inundated with its followers singing the praises of another section of UK key workers deserving to be appreciated at this time.

Teresa Anderson posted: "You're doing a great job", while Claire O'Donohoe added: "We are lucky that they are risking their own health to do this."

Sean Reid said: "This is a vital service. Well done all", as Nicola Luckett urged them to "stay safe".

Summing up, Dianne Young Pocklington commented: "We are so lucky.

"We don't have the problem of refuse building up, so please be grateful and supportive.

"They are doing a great job."

Coronavirus has already kicked a controversial scheme to slap a £40 charge on Atherstone and district households for collecting their green bins "into the long grass".

Last week the borough council announced it was shelving the June 1 launch until next year, admitting the community has enough to worry about with the spreading pandemic.

Council leader David Wright said services were being "stretched" and refuse collection was likely to suffer "disruption" over the coming weeks due to the impact of Covid-19 on staffing levels.