Rubbish collections and cremations have been suspended as the winter weather takes it's toll on council services.

Maidstone council says Thursday's collections were cancelled due to snow and that teams will collect as soon as road conditions allow.

In the meantime residents are advised to leave their rubbish and recycling until it’s collected.

At Vinters Park crematorium chapel, services are taking place but cremations cannot be completed.

The council says it is "working through the snow" to continue services - such as help for the homeless - for the borough's most vulnerable residents.

The council's offices at Maidstone Gateway are running on reduced staff and will be closing no later than 4.30pm, while Maidstone Museum has been shut.

Information and availability in hotels and bed and breakfast accommodation in the area can be viewed at http://www.visitmaidstone.com/ or wwwvisitheartofkent.com. There will be information in the windows of the Visitor Information Centre for out of hours services.

Maidstone Leisure Centre is open as usual, although some areas are closed due to refurbishment works.

Car parks remain open, but drivers are advised that conditions are poor. The council say teams have been working since 5.30am to clear the snow and grit paths and car park entrances.

Park and Ride services to Willington Street and London Road began operating earlier and it is hoped that a service to Sittingbourne Road may also be possible. But passengers are warned that services may have to be withdrawn at little or no notice if roads become dangerous.

Maidstone Market is open.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) say it might take fire appliances longer than usual to reach some areas, and have sent out advice to home-owners.

They say practical plans are in place, and operational staff and equipment - including vehicles with off-road capability - are ready to respond to fires and other emergencies.

A statement asked people not to ring KFRS unnecessarily and gave the following safety tips.

• If you plan to use an open fire, make sure your chimney is swept as built up soot and ash can cause chimney fires.

• Portable heaters should be dust free and kept well away from anything that could catch fire

• Candles should be placed on a non flammable surface and never be left unattended

• Do not travel unless your journey is absolutely necessary.

• Make sure you have a working smoke alarm and test it.

For more information on fire safety please log onto www.kent.fire-uk.org