Staying at home? Be a good neighbour
Bin don't burn, park with care - and keep the noise down!
With so many people now working from home following the government’s new rules on social distancing to tackle the coronavirus outbreak - and with the Spring weather so unusually sunny - we’ve pulled together a few hints and tips to promote harmonious neighbourhoods across our Borough.
Bin don’t burn
With household waste and recycling centres closed until further notice, some residents - gardeners in particular - may be tempted to burn rubbish in their back gardens. Nuisance bonfires are one of the biggest sources of complaint to the Council – especially when the sun is shining, windows are open, washing is drying outside and people are relaxing outdoors.
As well as making laundry and home interiors smell of smoke, bonfires can also cause breathing difficulties for anyone suffering with a respiratory illness – including people struggling with COVD-19 symptoms.
Remember you can compost garden waste – or sign up to our fortnightly garden waste recycling service and we’ll collect it from you. Domestic refuse should only go in your black, green or food waste bin.
Be a considerate parker
With everyone working from home, more people are parking outside their houses and flats. If that includes you, please park considerately, leaving enough space on the road for emergency vehicles or refuse collection lorries to get through. Don’t block driveways - and please leave pavements clear for wheelchairs users or people pushing buggies.
Keep the noise down!
For some, being stranded at home is a great opportunity to catch up on those DIY jobs or get the garden into shape for the summer. If you’re using power tools or garden machinery, like lawnmowers, please consider your neighbours by keeping noise to a minimum and not working very early in the morning or late at night.