RUBBISH bins have been removed from inside a Basingstoke shopping centre because of staffing issues.

Festival Place told the Gazette that it has reduced the number of bins around the centre in relation to “current staffing levels for the lockdown period”.

It has also taken away some of its seating areas “in line with government guidance”.

A spokesperson for Festival Place said: “During this second lockdown Festival Place has again remained open for those essential shops, banks, and restaurants offering takeaways.

“In line with government guidance, we have reduced the number of places people can sit and the number of bins around the centre in relation to current staffing levels for the lockdown period. Priority seating is always available for our customers.

“However, we are very much looking forward to reopening the centre fully on December 2 and welcoming back all our shoppers for some Christmas shopping.”

With many restaurants and cafes still open for takeaway, concerns have been raised that the reduction in bins could result in overflowing bins outside the shopping centre, or rubbish discarded.

However, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s head of environmental services, Tom Payne, said litter bins in and around the town centre are being emptied twice a day by its street cleansing team.

He added: “We have not been made aware of issues relating to overflowing bins in these areas however residents can report these at www.basingstoke.gov.uk/report-overflowing-litter-bin.”