THURROCK Council has issued a statement criticising local drivers for poor parking, turning the blame on them for some failures in the waste collection service.

The statement on social media came just a couple of days after the responsible councillor for environmental services issued an apology to residents for a lack of bin collections and news that senior officers are being axed for failing to do their jobs properly.

The council issued a statement saying: "If our bin lorries cannot get down your road because parked cars are blocking the way then bins cannot be collected.

"This picture taken today in Sachfield Drive, Chafford Hundred, illustrates the issue that regularly faces waste crews across the borough.

"Please park carefully and leave enough room for a bin lorry to get through. Remember: if a bin lorry cannot get through then neither can a fire engine."

Residents on social media have mocked the council, saying bad planning has contributed to the problem and critics challenge the driving skills of its drivers.