I would like to congratulate our refuse collection team at Colchester Council, who have done a fantastic job of collecting from almost 100 per cent of households during the worst period snow and ice we have had in many years.

I have e-mailed the officers to pass on my thanks and those of my group.

I also spoke with our crews during their rounds to thank them personally.

Other authorities, such as Maldon, Tendring and Braintree, withdrew their crews last week.

In my view, our crews are the best.

We owe them a huge vote of thanks for all their efforts to keep this vital front-line service running.

Gerard Oxford
Leader of Highwoods
Independent Group
Colchester Council
Princess Drive
High Woods
Colchester