FRONT-line council teams have now changed their working practices to follow current guidelines during the coronavirus pandemic.

Staff in Cheshire West and Chester Council's StreetCare and Highways teams are now adopting social distancing as they carry out their day to day duties.

Activities such as litter picking will be done by a team member working alone. Also Highways staff and contractors will be following social distancing advice and will travel in their vehicles in isolation.

All works which would need staff working in close proximity will now be postponed but Highways teams will be responding to urgent works as a priority to ensure the borough’s highway network is safe with other works undertaken where social distancing permits.

Councillor Karen Shore, the council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for environment, highways and strategic transport, said: “Our street cleansing, grounds maintenance and highways operations are continuing but we are prioritising resources to ensure the safety of our residents. As the situation develops some services may be delayed or suspended and up to date information is always available on our website.

“Staff are following guidelines on social distancing; please could we ask that members of the public also follow social distancing advice and do not approach our staff. Please don’t feel offended if a member of staff asks you to back away from them if you approach, we’re doing all we can to protect you from this virus.”