THURROCK Council has apologised for late bin collections over the past week, but says it is confident that changes it has made will ensure the problems are not repeated.

Residents across the borough voiced complaints on social media and the council has confirmed some routes fell short of service expectations.

A statement says: "During recent weeks the waste collection service has been short staffed due to sickness, and so we've had to make some changes to our rota. We're sorry for any inconvenience caused to residents.

"Despite the challenges of a smaller crew, colleagues have worked hard and we are pleased to say that thanks to the tremendous effort waste crews have made as of the end of Wednesday 3 September all rounds have been completed and are up-to-date.

"There have been no significant or widespread issue with waste collections in the borough.

"However, crews do face consistent issues with parked vehicles blocking access for bin lorries in a small number of roads.

"If a lorry can't get into a road then crews will be unable to collect recycling and waste.

"We would ask that everyone bears this in mind when it comes to parking cars and vans."