GARDEN waste collection in the city has been suspended for two weeks amid "staffing issues" caused by the impact of Covid-19.

Brown bins will not be collected in Brighton and Hove until Monday, August 23, as the city council "focuses resources where they're most needed".

It means there will be no garden waste collections between Monday, August 9 and Friday, August 20.

The suspension comes amid a "pingdemic" among Cityclean staff that saw some residents' rubbish go uncollected for weeks.

Writing online, a Brighton and Hove City Council spokesman said: "Due to the current staffing issues caused by the ongoing impact of COVID-19, we’re suspending the next round garden waste collections to allow us to focus our resources where they’re most needed.

"We’re very sorry for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience.

"There will be no garden waste collections between Monday, August 9 and Friday, August 20. Collections will resume from Monday, August 23.

"All subscriptions will have an extension added to make up the missed round.

"Customers can still renew their subscription or sign up if invited to do so."

As the number of people self-isolating rose in July, several local authoritie announced temporary suspensions in green waste collections, which they do not have a legal duty to provide.

A number of councils suspended green waste collections for periods ranging from a fortnight to several months, to concentrate on collecting rubbish and recycling.