issued a reminder to homeowners to trim overgrown tree branches which are close to power lines.

The reminder came after high winds and rain lashed the Island on Sunday, causing blackouts in Warwick from Keith Hall Road to Harbour Road, and in Hamilton Parish from Fractious Street to Shelly Bay.

Belco spokesperson Linda Smith said tree branches, made heavy by rain water, also weighed down electrical lines.

Both Belco and the Ministry noted that during a storm or hurricane overgrown branches contributed to major power outages by pulling down wires, or breaking and blocking roadways which prevented quick responses by emergency vehicles.

And they urged those who had branches which were "dangerously close'' to power lines to call Belco at 299-2804 and to arrange for their power to be turned off while they safely trimmed their trees.

Works and Engineering will begin free pick-ups of horticultural waste on Saturday in Somerset, Southampton and Warwick.

Pick-ups for Paget, Pembroke and Devonshire will take place on Saturday, July 13.

The last collection date, Saturday, July 20, will involve Smith's Parish, Hamilton Parish and St. George's.

Bundled waste should be placed in regular garbage collection points by 8 a.m.

on the morning of collection.

The Ministry said tree branches should not be longer than six feet and no larger than six inches in diameter.

Tree trunks will not be accepted and the waste should not be placed in plastic bags.