HEARTWARMING messages have appeared on bins across the town to support refuse collectors during the coronavirus crisis.

Since the lockdown imposed by the government, the council's waste collection team has faced staff shortages through illness and self-isolation.

But their spirits have been lifted by colourful thank-you notes left by grateful householders.

Maria Park taped one such message on her bin in Shrivenham Road.

She told the Adver: “I just wanted to let them know I was very grateful for them emptying the bins.

“It doesn’t take a minute to say thank you and just how much they are appreciated. They are doing an amazing job. “

Swindon Advertiser: Maria's bin - Shrivenham RoadMaria's bin - Shrivenham Road

Claire Seager from Park North added: “My two youngest children Jackson, four and Alexis, three, always wave to the bin men and we thought it would be nice to leave them a message.”

Coun Maureen Penny, Swindon Borough Council’s cabinet member for transport and the environment, said: “It’s extremely heartwarming to see residents leaving these kind and thoughtful messages on their bins for our crews.

“I’ve always known that people in Swindon have particularly generous hearts.

“The waste teams have been working flat out during these challenging times, putting themselves on the front line to ensure this vital service remains in operation, and my sincere thanks go to every single one of them.”

Mayor Kevin Parry raised concerns that more people staying at home is leading to more waste.

He went out at 6.30am on Monday to help the recycling crew.

He said: “Through my correspondence with the council officers, they told me that they have staff shortages.

“So, I said to them: ‘if you are struggling and you need a hand, I am more than happy to help you'.

“I was out there, supporting those guys, I am a great believer in that you should be prepared to roll up your sleeves.

“They have a tough job, with people being at home more, there are more waste being created as well, so there’s a bit of a knock-on effect on them.

Swindon Advertiser: Mayor Kevin ParryMayor Kevin Parry

“I have one exactly what they’ve done, emptying the recycling boxes, cans and paper. We did Oxford Road and all the side roads and some of Covingham.

“It is a physical and demanding job, it’s ongoing and non-stop. Anybody that thinks they’ve got an easy ride, I would tell them to go out there and have a go.

“They do work hard, they are another frontline service that people overlook.

"These guys run around and they do a fantastic job, and I think in this time when things are hard, their workload has gone up and they are short of staff, it’s a logical thing to help them.

"I have got some time on my hands, I can support them so I went out there and did it.”