Collections of green and blue bins got back to normal across Cherwell today thanks to the efforts of refuse crews.

Due to the wintry conditions, Cherwell District Council had interruptions to rounds throughout the past two weeks leaving 60,000 waste and recycling bins untouched.

But staff, who usually work from Tuesday to Friday, gave up their weekend to put things back on track and ensure homes were not left with rubbish piling up.

Street cleansing and vehicle maintenance staff were also drafted in to boost the number of crews on the streets.

And refuse collection staff are turning their attention to catching up with missed brown bins which the council says should take no longer than a fortnight.

Councillor George Reynolds, council portfolio holder for environment, recreation and health, said: “Many of our staff were willing to give up the weekend to make sure missed collections took place.

“This was essential as further bad weather has been forecast and we could face further disruption in coming weeks.

“Thank you to all our hard-working crews and their families for putting up with their loss of free time.”

Mr Reynolds said while snow and ice made driving 26-tonne trucks through the districts streets too dangerous, this did not leave staff twiddling their thumbs.

He said they headed out into the town centres of Banbury and Bicester with shovels and did their best to clear pavements for shoppers.

Street cleaning is also back to normal now most of the snow and ice has thawed.

In case of further disruption, anyone with a missed bin should check www.cherwell.gov.uk for the latest updates. Missed bins can be reported by calling 01295 221940.