Businesses and residents were today asked not to leave wheelie bins on sidewalks outside regular trash collection times as high winds were predicted for later in the week.

A spokeswoman for the City of Hamilton made the request after forecasters warned that hurricane-force weather was expected to hit the island in the next few days.

The spokeswoman said: “It is particularly important for businesses to adhere to this guidance during the coming days as extremely high winds are anticipated, with hurricane force winds forecast for Thursday.”

The corporation provided residents and business in the city with lidded bins free of charge to keep garbage contained.

The spokeswoman said: “The bins not only keep garbage free from rodents and other vermin, but they also serve to make the collection of the garbage easier as they can be lifted by the refuse trucks and their contents deposited into the truck hopper, thus minimising any injury to the refuse collectors.

“Bins must be stored away from the sidewalks so as to not impede pedestrian traffic and the sweeping of the sidewalks.

“Storing the bins can also increase their longevity. Any damaged bins with gaping holes or broken lids must be replaced by the owners.”