THE VITAL role of refuse collectors in Herefordshire has not been forgotten, with tributes left on bins across the county.

Among those leaving warm messages for bin men on their rounds was John Challis, best known for playing Boycie in Only Fools and Horses.

On their round last week, one team from FCC environment was cheered to find a handwritten message from the actor on his bin.

He thanked Herefordshire's waste collectors who are working hard to ensure essential waste collection services continue during the COVID-19 crisis, and praised the "great job they do".

Hereford Times:

Waste and recycling crews are continuing to carry out their crucial work to help support communities, ensuring our quality of life standards remain as high as possible, and doing their part to protect our public health.

FCC Environment’s Mike Stass said: “We have received a number of heartfelt messages from all corners of the UK thanking our teams and wishing them good health. We are delighted to have heard from a familiar face and we thank Mr Challis as well as the wider community in Herefordshire for motivating us to continue our vital duties.”

Around 107,000 people in the waste and resource management industry have been identified by the Government as key workers, among them are about 70 people from FCC Environment working on behalf of Herefordshire Council.

Household recycling and waste collections are operating as normal in the Herefordshire area. Following Government advice, to protect workers and combat the spread of infection, all residents are asked to wash their hands before and after putting their bin out for collection and after moving it back onto their property following collection.

Anyone who feels ill at home should store rubbish such as used tissues and disposable cleaning cloths securely within disposable rubbish bags, place these bags containing used into another bag, tie securely and keep separately from other waste for at least 72 hours before placing in your outside household rubbish bin (black bin).