BIN collections throughout Wirral have been suspended until at least Monday because of the continuing icy conditions.

The council says it is too unsafe to operate refuse collection vehicles.

A spokesman said: "The latest weather forecast has indicated that extreme sub-zero temperatures are to continue into next week.

"Therefore, all waste and recycling bin collections are suspended until at least Monday, January 11, when a further assessment will be made as to the condition of the roads.

"All residents that were scheduled to have their green or grey bin collected between Tuesday, January 5 and Friday, January 8 are advised to return their bins to their property if it is safe to do so.

"There will be no collections over the weekend, as conditions are still predicted to be too dangerous.

"We appreciate that residents may have a back log of waste from the Christmas period and urge residents to be patient through this challenging time.

"The council website will be updated with further information on Monday afternoon, January 11.

"Should collections resume next week, it is anticipated that additional crews will be needed to help keep collections to schedule.

"Therefore the council is suspending all garden waste collections until at least Monday, January 25."

Wirral is not alone in suspended services - Liverpool, Knowsley and Halton Councils have also stopped services until Monday.

The council will post a further update to the bin situation on their website, www.wirral.gov.uk on Monday.