CIVIC chiefs in the New Forest have announced that the garden waste collection service will resume on September 13.

But continuing staff shortages mean the district council's bulky waste service, which disposes of large household items, will not take any new bookings until further notice.

The garden waste service was suspended on July 19 as a result of staff self-isolating and driver shortages.

Chris Noble, the council's service manager for waste and transportation, said: “The important thing was to get the black and clear sack collections done so we had no choice but to stop the garden waste service.

"Whilst it is good news we can restart from next week, we continue to have severe staff shortages and are operating our waste services at around 60% of full staffing levels.

"But after eight weeks we know that garden waste needs to be collected.

"I would like to thank our customers who have been so supportive and understanding, and a special recognition to the waste teams who are working so hard and have pulled together to get the job done.”

The council will ensure that customers receive the number of collections they paid for in 2021-22 by extending the service further into 2022.

Mr Noble added: “Since the garden waste service was suspended we have launched new recruitment campaigns and had new members of staff join our team.

"However, every day we are having to look at what we can realistically achieve with reduced staff available.

"We know that lots of other councils in Hampshire and beyond are in a similar situation. Project Integra, Hampshire's waste partnership, to which NFDC is a member, is a signatory on a letter to government which outlines the problems that local authorities are currently facing in delivering frontline services."

The council says it is currently unable to accept new garden waste customers and no additional bags will be sold.

More information, including collection dates, will be included in a letter to be sent to all garden waste customers during the week of September 6.

People who want to dispose of bulky waste can book a slot at one of three Household Waste Recycling Centres in the Forest, including Marchwood.

A council spokesperson said: "There are private companies who would be able to collect large household items, but residents must remember to check that any company they use is a registered waste carrier.

Go online and visit the Environment Agency website - environment.data.gov.uk/public-register/view/search-waste-carriers-brokers.