LOCKDOWN has caused mayhem across services and businesses everywhere.

But the bedlam it is causing within Inverclyde's waste management and recycling services have led to a huge spike in the amount of waste being sent to landfill.

Figures show that last month saw over 700 tons more rubbish dumped at the sites compared with April last year.

The coronavirus crisis saw the suspension of blue bin collections locally, despite the fact neighbouring Renfrewshire and North Ayrshire councils have both been able to maintain their services.

At a time when being eco-friendly is so important, this must be restarted as a matter of urgency - and we could do with the dumps in Pottery Street and Kirn Drive also getting back into operation if the spike in fly-tipping we've spotlighted is anything to go by.

Times are tough, but we need to also keep vital services ticking over, especially when it is still possible 20 minutes up the motorway.

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OUR amazing NHS staff have rightly been winning plaudits, but we must not forget the contribution being made to our everyday lives by other key workers.

Bus driver Louise Farrell is a typical example of the unsung heroes keeping life moving in these turbulent times.

It is good to see them being praised and their work rightly heralded.

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