COPELAND Council is saying a huge thank you to its residents for recycling – and encouraging them to continue through the festive season.

Community Services Manager, Shirley Procter-Dow, took up her role in the summer and has been impressed at how many locals make the most of the council’s kerbside recycling service.

She said: “We know it’s been a difficult year in so many ways for residents and the fact that most people have continued to recycle is outstanding.

“In common with all councils, the pandemic has given us lots of challenges, and residents have been patient when they have perhaps had to wait for their collection. Thank you for that.

“Because councils are not immune to the impact of the pandemic, we are having to manage with fewer people. Our crews are working hard – often on evenings or weekends, to continue providing the service.

“We’ve also had lots more recycling than usual - an increase of 35 per cent - so we have to empty our lorries more often.”