A Newton Poppleford woman’s campaign to support refuse collectors during the coronavirus crisis has attracted hundreds of supporters.

Sidmouth Herald: 'Crew 16' during their collection round in Exmouth Picture: Crew 16'Crew 16' during their collection round in Exmouth Picture: Crew 16 (Image: Crew 16)

Bev Raw set up a Facebook group called Cheer the Refuse Collectors just over a week ago, and it has nearly 600 members.

She said the collectors have noticed a shift in people’s behaviour since.

“The group was started to try and make people more aware of the vital work they do,” she said.

“I encouraged households to show their gratitude and since then, the collectors have reported to me a distinct change in attitude, with thank you notes stuck to bins or chalked on driveways.”

“With many people sick, if the waste was not removed from everywhere including hospitals to houses, we would soon be overrun with flies, maggots, rats and foxes and foragers.

“The smell in warm weather would be awful.

“Every single property has a bin and there are bins in the streets.

“We take it for granted it will go, but it doesn’t go by magic.”