EPPING Forest District Council has issued a renewed apology to residents after it was forced to cancel yet more rubbish collections today due to the heavy snow.

Scheduled bin removals in Abridge, Chigwell and Waltham Abbey were all abandoned this morning as the authority's contractors were unable to cope with the conditions.

Some households now face a fifth week with no waste or recycling collections, following earlier cancellations due to heavy snow last month.

A council spokesman said: "Residents are requested to place all waste at the normal collection point. Due to the exceptional circumstances the council will collect any side waste - this is waste placed next to your normal wheelie bin."

In the meantime the council says it will collect as much waste as possible, and that priority collections will be made when the weather improves to homes that have been waiting the longest.

The council spokesman added: "The council apologises for this continued disruption to normal waste and recycling services.

"Residents have been very understanding and co-operative during this difficult period and this is greatly appreciated."