Waste collections by Ipswich council were disrupted by the snow on Tuesday – but most properties due to have their bins emptied did so.

Ipswich Star: Giles Circus was cleared of snow. Picture: PAUL GEATERGiles Circus was cleared of snow. Picture: PAUL GEATER (Image: Archant)

However anyone missed will have their rubbish collected in the next few days. A council spokesman said: “If your bin is not collected please leave it out and we will catch up as soon as possible.

“All the crews were out at 6am. We apologise if we don’t get to you today but we are doing our best. Please be patient and we will empty your bin as soon as we are able to do so safely.”

Workers at the borough were hard at work to try to keep the town moving. In the town centre teams were laying grit on pavements and pedestrianised areas – roads are the responsibility of Suffolk County Council.

Even the Giles statue was being cleared of snow after the mid-morning storm that turned Ipswich white with a very heavy snowfall.

All the Borough’s sports facilities were open, including Crown Pools and Fore Street pool, along with the cemeteries and cemetery office.

However the Shopmobility service was closed – volunteers had not been able to get in.

Only two Ipswich Market stallholders braved the cold, Coxy’s fruit and veg and the Biryani Hut – and there were noticeably fewer shoppers on the streets of Ipswich than usual during the lunch hour.

There were no stalls on the new market food court in Queen Street on Tuesday and it if the snow continues it is thought they might continue to stay away – there is little demand for outdoor eating.

The Borough Council’s cold weather beds remain open throughout this week. The 11 beds are provided in partnership with Genesis Housing Association at Cavendish Lodge, 10 Turret Lane, Ipswich IP4 1DL.

Access to Cavendish Lodge is from 5pm for an initial assessment by staff, with risk assessments completed by 6pm. After that, access will be limited to service users being brought in by prior agreement of staff or by Police.

Accommodation also comes with an offer of housing advice to see if trained staff can provide longer term help.

Ipswich’s parks are open as usual during the cold spell – but park rangers are urging people to take care on paths that could become icy over the next few days.