Storm Eunice forces councils to close services

Councils across the UK have been forced to suspend public services, close schools and provide emergency aid to the homeless due to Storm Eunice.

The Met Office has issued rare red weather warnings due to expected ‘damaging and disruptive’ winds which could pose a threat to life.

A number of councils today suspended bin collection over fears for the safety of staff and residents, including Bristol and Dorset Councils and Newport and Southampton Borough Councils.

Newport leader Jane Mudd said: ‘This has been described as a historic event and is potentially the strongest storm in 30 years.

“For this reason, we are suspending some services and closing some of our buildings.

“It’s not a decision to be taken lightly.”

Other measures taken by the councils include the closure of leisure and tourism facilities, the suspension of street cleaning, the closure of recycling centers and the suspension of school bus services.

Many councils, including Bristol City Council, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council and Somerset CC, also closed schools for the day.

Local Government Association environment spokesman Cllr David Renard said: “Council staff continue to work around the clock to keep residents, homes and businesses safe, strengthen defenses against floods and protect road networks and power supplies as much as possible.’