“Staffing levels have been impacted due to Covid-19 cases in light of the spread of the omicron variant”

Both Conwy and Denbighshire county councils are feeling the pressure from the rapid spread of the omicron variant.

On Tuesday afternoon, Conwy said there was ‘no significant disruption’ to services, only to warn residents on Wednesday of potential bin and recycling collection delays due to COVID-related absences.

The authority said they would be monitoring the staffing situation closely over the coming weeks,

A Conwy County Council spokeswoman also said its schools were undertaking individual risk assessments, despite plans for most to return next week on January 10.

“Schools will consider the new term arrangements in line with their individual risk assessments and Welsh Government guidance,” she said.

Meanwhile, in Denbighshire, the council also revealed the virus is taking its toll on the number of staff available.

A spokesperson for Denbighshire County Council said: “Staffing levels have been impacted due to Covid-19 cases in light of the spread of the omicron variant. Plans are in place to mitigate staff absences, and council services are continuing to operate at this time. We will continue to keep the public updated.”

He added: “We are in contact with schools as they prepare to return to face-to-face learning on January 10.”

Schools in Gwynedd, Conwy’s neighbour, will also be expected to return on January 10. But parents of children attending schools in Flintshire are advised to check opening dates with their schools, which are carrying out individual assessments based on staffing levels.

By Richard Evans – Local Democracy Reporter