Garden waste collections in Harrow will start next week after they were initially suspended in response to the coronavirus outbreak – but the recycling centre remains closed.

Harrow Council confirmed brown bins will be collected from the week commencing Monday (May 11).

It reminded those who use the service to ensure the correct sticker is on the bin and that it is at the edge of the property by 6.30am on the relevant collection day.

Garden waste collections were due to start in April but were postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The council explained that it had been forced to rethink its priorities, which resulted in the “difficult decision” to halt the service temporarily.

It added that those eligible for refunds to compensate for the reduced service will be paid within three months.

The council’s recycling centre, in Forward Drive, will stay shut until further notice in line with government advice.

This is to encourage social distancing, though the council said it is looking at options to reopen it soon.

Last week a group of Harrow residents wrote to the council urging it to put measures in place to deal with rubbish build-up during the lockdown period.

“This is the time of year we cut back our plants, mow the lawns and clear out damaged and broken items – this is when we need regular collections,” they said.

“With so many people forced to stay at home, spring cleaning and garden maintenance are some of the ways we are expending energy and getting exercise.

“We don’t like having to keep our rubbish in our front or back gardens.”