Storm Gareth - an update from Ipswich Borough Council …

Ipswich’s bin crews have begun collections today (Wednesday) but the Borough Council has asked residents to be patient as the service could be badly affected by increased traffic congestion caused by the closure of the Orwell Bridge.

 Highways England was closing the bridge from 7am as winds brought by Storm Gareth are set to increase and has warned that the closure could be for several hours.

 Meanwhile, the Council’s parks team has decided not to open the town’s major parks this morning during the high winds and, as some parks and open spaces cannot be locked, have advised residents to avoid any wooded areas. The situation will be monitored throughout the morning and the parks will be opened when it is safe to do so.

 An Ipswich Borough Council spokesman said: “Our bin crews were out first thing as usual but any heavy build-up of traffic will have an effect, so residents are asked to be patient. Updates on bin collections will be published on www.ipswich.gov.uk and on Twitter at@ipswichgov

 For updates on any Orwell Bridge closure follow local media outlets or @highwayseaston Twitter.