Residents have been told they must put their bins out an hour earlier - because of fears over disruption caused by Brexit.

Ashford Borough Council has announced collections for all waste and recycling will be extended from the beginning of November.

It comes amid concerns the borough will be at the forefront of traffic hold-ups after October 31 with the Operation Brock contraflow and partial opening of Junction 10a on the M20.

In a statement released this morning, the council says homeowners will need to put their bins out by 6am - an hour earlier than the current arrangement.

"Due to potential disruptions over the next few months, we are extending our bin collection times from the beginning of November," it said.

"Bins will need to be presented no later than 6am on the morning of collection, if it safe to do so you can leave your bin out the evening before.

"Collections are also being extended to take place later in the day so if your bin is not collected at the usual time please leave it out and our crews will get to you as soon as they are able.

"There is a possibility that food waste may be collected separately from your recycling and refuse bins so please leave your caddy out if it hasn’t been collected.

"We thank you all in advance for your co-operation and apologise for any inconvenience caused."

Next week, part of the long-awaited Junction 10a will open to all traffic in time for the Brexit deadline.

Highways England has come under pressure to partly open the roundabout on Thursday (October 31) so the town can cope with new HMRC customs checks at the Waterbrook Park truckstop.

Transport bosses previously said the M20 junction would only open open to lorries next week, but this has now been broadened to all road users.

Only the east-facing sliproads and new link road to the A2070 will open and it is not yet known when the whole junction will become available.

Seen as essential for Brexit preparations, Highways England was pressed by ministers to fast-track coast-facing access to the junction so lorries could access the customs station being set up at Waterbrook.

Meanwhile, the Operation Brock contraflow will return on the M20 between Junctions 8 and 9 from 6am on Monday (October 28).

HGV drivers heading for Dover will have to put up with a 30mph limit on the coastbound stretch, while all other traffic must use the 50mph contraflow on the London-bound side of the M20.

It is designed to tackle disruption caused by delays at the border and is Highways England’s post-Brexit answer to Operation Stack.

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