HIGH temperatures across the region last week saw residents in the Culm Valley and Blackdown Hills areas showing phenomenal support for the council’s waste and recycling teams who were out working in the scorching sun.

During the spell of warm weather which saw an amber warning issued by the Met Office and a red health alert from the UK Health Authority, crews began rounds earlier in the day to try and avoid the peak of the heat.

The early rounds had an added bonus for some of our crews who were handed ice creams, lollies and ice packs by supportive residents.

Cabinet member with Mid Devon District Council, Cllr Josh Wright, said: “Our crews are really grateful to all the kindness shown to them by our community.

“Water, ice packs, ice creams and other refreshments have been spontaneously offered which has meant a lot to our workforce, so thank you. I would also like to thank our crews who kept up a great work rate despite the tougher working conditions.”

With more warm weather forecast this week rounds will once again be moved to earlier in the day and residents are being asked to make sure their waste and recycling is out before 5am if their scheduled collection day is either Thursday, July 9 or Friday, July 10.

Residents are also reminded they can sign up to the new Mid Devon District Council residents’ app where they can opt in to receive automated bin collection reminders.

The app is also being used to alert residents about changes to collection times during weather events with residents also able to access information on how to contact councillors, keep up with council news, check planning applications, and find the nearest leisure centre, library or public toilets.

The app is available to download at: https://www.middevon.gov.uk/residents/mid-devon-app/