Bin collection has been a nightmare in East Hampshire for months – and now the cold weather is set to make it even worse.

East Hampshire District Council is refusing to empty the rubbish from bins on which the lids have frozen shut.

A council statement said: "With temperatures below freezing overnight and crews out early to collect bins in the district, it’s likely that your bin could be frozen shut when they arrive.

"If you get a chance, please check on the morning of your collection day that your bin will open.

"Garden waste can also become a frozen lump in the bottom of your bin that won’t come out when tipped. If this is the case, consider using something like a garden fork to break it up before the crews arrive.

"If the crews are unable to open your bin, they will return on your next scheduled collection day, which will be in two weeks."