The council's Guildhall in Gainsborough will remain open, but there was only a skeleton staff to answer telephones yesterday (Wednesday) and today (Thursday).

Glyn Pilkington, operational services manager says only a “very restricted” waste collection service will be possible.

Alan Robinson, revenues, benefits and customer services manager, stressed that the dispute is a national one, and asked for customers to be tolerant during the 48-hour strike.

There will be no disruption at the council's leisure centre, Trinity Arts Centre, Richmond Park or to the burials service.

“Every effort will be made to empty as many bins as possible and should the bins still be full by the evening, then take them back in.” said Mr Pilkington

“Any bins not emptied will be cleared on the next scheduled collection day - the following week for grey bins, two weeks later for the blue and green bins,” he added.

“If the grey or blue bins are full, place surplus material in plastic bags at the side of the bin and it will be collected on the next scheduled collection day.”

”Regretfully, garden waste cannot be collected in plastic bags and residents are asked to store it and place it in their green bin once emptied.”

He added: “Residents are reminded to wash and squash their plastic bottles and flatten cardboard boxes and cartons to maximise the use of their blue bins.”

People living in the South West Ward of Gainsborough, who have the 10 foot bin bag collection should leave them out as normal and they will be collected using a prioritised catch-up service later in the week.