The following information was put out by the county council this afternoon.

The snowfalls and icy conditions have caused some disruption to the service across the county to varying degrees. Higher areas across the north have been most affected. Following on the ground assessments during today including estate roads, refuse and recycling collections have regrettably had to be suspended in the Consett area. Crews have still been out, with the main focus on more accessible areas around Chester-le-Street.

The affected areas are Benfieldside, Blackhill, Shotley Bridge, Ebchester, Medomsley, Moorside, Castleside, Bridgehill, Consett, Tow Law, Usher Moor and collections are planned on Saturday 19 January although this of course is weather/ground conditions dependant. We have a further opportunity on Monday to collect if this is needed. There are pockets of missed collections from hard to reach areas around Chester-le-Street and we will attempt to pick these up tomorrow.