Bin collections are being delayed as Covid cases among refuse workers are rising.

The workers collecting waste across Southend have contracted the virus and councillors say collections will now be late.

Labour Kursaal councillor Matt Dent said workers will be out on rounds later today due to the shortages.

He said: "There have unfortunately been some unexpected Covid-related absences from the waste collection teams today, affecting a few collection rounds.

"A contingency was deployed this morning, but since then another crew has been affected this afternoon, resulting in the whole crew having to self-isolate.

"Regrettably, as a result, collection is running behind schedule now.

"Veolia is working hard to get as much collected as possible by close of play today, including staying out later than usual, but for those roads due to be collected today if recycling and waste collection has not taken place by 7pm tonight it will be collected first thing in the morning."

He also apologised for the inconvenience caused.