Suffolk villagers have been paying tribute to rubbish collectors continuing to work throughout the coronavirus crisis by leaving colourful ‘thank you’ messages on wheelie bins.

Residents in Wetheringsett have been placing small posters on their bins in the last few days as a way of showing their appreciation to collectors, who continue to work while other services shut down.

Sarah Payne said she had the idea after hearing news reports of rubbish collectors receiving abuse - so she and her daughter Bethany came up with a creative way to convey their message.

The movement has caught on throughout the village with the support of Wetheringsett Parish Council.

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Ms Payne said: “They are doing a really important job, so the news made us feel sad.

“We wanted to make our bin men know how much we appreciate them.”

Charles Harvey, chairman of Wetheringsett cum Brockford Parish Council, said: “The NHS is the frontline, but there are plenty of other valuable jobs.

“We cannot have rubbish piling up.”

Mid Suffolk District Council, who organise waste disposal in Wetheringsett, thanked the residents for their appreciation.

Suzie Morley, leader of Mid Suffolk District Council, said: “We know how much this means to our crews who are working hard to keep collections going. “We are doing everything possible to protect our services and support our communities and it’s wonderful when people show that it is appreciated.”

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