DURHAM County Council said today that safety will be their top priority as they battle to collect people's rubbish next week.

With more ice and snow forecast into next week, the council mounted a major operation over the weekend in advance of next week's bin rounds.

Staff are out with tractor ploughs clearing access to estates while and teams from ground maintenance and street cleaning departments will be drafted in to help refuse crews by moving bins to safe collection points.

This system will operate all next week, although it may not be possible in all areas.

Head of direct services Oliver Sherratt said today: "We are fully committed to do absolutely all we can to pick up as much refuse and recycling as is possible next week.

"It is frustrating for us, as well as an inconvenience for residents when we have to suspend these important services.

"However, we won't take risks with public safety, and whilst we will try our utmost, we may not cover all areas completely."

Streetscene cabinet member Coun Brian Stephens added: "We recognise that in some areas residents now have a backlog of rubbish which they would like removed as soon as possible, and we are committed to doing that.

"We would ask that all refuse is properly bagged and left by the bin so we can collect it.

"Thank you for your patience and understanding during this difficult time."