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After a day of confusion Lewisham Council has confirmed it messed up its consultation on bin collections, which it said hadn’t been “as clear as it should have been”.

Initially it suggested it was exploring ways of restricting the times bins could be put out for collection.

But soon after publishing its consultation the Council withdrew it.

Today a spokesperson said: “We recognise that the survey was not as clear as it should have been and has caused concern. We have withdrawn it while we review and improve it.

“We want to reassure residents that we are not looking to make changes to household bin collections in residential areas.

“The survey aimed to gather views on introducing set collection times on high streets and for people living in flats above shops, where disposal of rubbish and recycling can face different challenges and have a bigger impact on street cleanliness.

“We apologise for the confusion and will provide an update once our approach has been revised.”

This article has been updated.

Hours after Lewisham Council said it was looking at the idea of restricting when you can put out your bins for collection, it has now withdrawn the consultation on the topic.

Initially they said they wanted residents’ views and launched a consultation , asking people to answer a questionnaire by August 31st.

But hours later the link to the consultation produced this error page.

In their original messaging, the Council said that if they decided to go ahead it would begin on selected high streets, starting with Catford, Rushey Green, Ladywell, Downham and Bellingham. The set times would apply to both rubbish and recycling from residents’ homes and businesses in these areas. It may be extended later to other shopping areas and places where people live.

The Council said “We want to improve how clean our streets are across the borough. This includes reducing litter and illegal rubbish dumping (fly-tipping), keeping pavements clear and tackling problems that attract pests.

“Some neighbouring boroughs have introduced set times for putting out rubbish and recycling. This means residents and businesses can only put waste out during certain hours before collection. In these areas, it has helped create cleaner, less cluttered streets. We are exploring whether this could work in our borough.”

Now it’s unclear what’s going on. The Lee Manor Society has asked Lewisham Council to clear things up.

The Society entertained around fifty Lee residents at a drinks reception held in the Baring Room of the Manor House library. Charles Batchelor spoke about the background to the society, David Plumer explained some of the area’s history and Simon Bucks brought everyone up to date with news about the Big Bed restoration project. The other members of the management team, Frances Migniuolo, Karen Pratt and Michael Haste were also on hand to answer questions about the Society’s work in preserving the built and natural environment of Lee.

This article has been updated.

Thames Water is blaming low pressure in the Lee Manor area on a faulty valve in the local water network.

Residents have reported just trickles of water from their taps, and in some cases no water at all in upstairs bathrooms.

Manor Park, Southbrook Road, Micheldever Road and Leahurst Road have all been affected.

Thames Water said this morning: “Our teams have been working overnight to repair a valve in the local water network which has now been completed. We’ll begin restoring water supply shortly by gradually refilling the network.

“As water returns to the network, you may notice lower water pressure than usual at first. This is normal and should gradually improve as the system continues to recharge and pressure builds across the area.

“If you live in a block of flats, you may need to contact your managing agent to come out and reset your internal pumps if you’re still experiencing issues with your supply.

“Often when your water returns it may be discoloured at first (rusty, white or milky in colour), this is normal – for further guidance on what to do when you experience this and other issues following an incident, please see our After An Incident Guide.

We sincerely apologise for the disruption caused and would like to thank you for your patience and understanding while we carried out this repair.”

Are you still being affected? Leave a comment here.