IN the wake of missed waste bin collections this week, Thurrock Council environment portfolio holder Cllr Andrew Jefferies has issued an apology to residents.

The council has been on the back foot in issuing information both before and after Christmas, leaving residents unsure of when to leave bins out and what to do when they have not been collected but today (Friday, 30 December) after residents in more areas reported missed collections, Cllr Jefferies has spoken up.

He says high levels of sickness among bin crews and delays that have not yet been caught up with following the pre-Christmas snows are the cause of the latest problems.

The latest problems began to emerge in Stanford-le-Hope on Wednesday (28 December) and despite pledge earlier this week that the crews would catch up, it has not been possible. Today residents in Chafford Hundred reported many bins there have not been collected. East Tilbury is another bins blackspot - some bins there have not bveen emptied for four weeks say resdients.

Cllr Jefferies told Nub News: "Waste collections have been missed due to high levels of sickness and the snow putting us behind, we have therefore not collected all residents' bins on the schedule during the festive period.

"We are very sorry for the poor service and inconvenience caused. Our waste crews are working hard to catch up on collections, and appreciate you have not received the service you expect from us."

It is not the first time Cllr Jefferies has had to face up to criticisms and apologise. In October, in answer to questions from councillors he gave a frank and full description of the failing of the service and acknowledged it was not good enough.

Today the council has confirmed that, through to Saturday, 7 January, green/grey and blue bins will be collected one day later than usual. There will be no brown bin collections during this period.

For more details, residents are advised to visit the Christmas and New Year bin collections webpage - www.thurrock.gov.uk/wheeled-bin-collection-days/normal-collections-and-public-holidays

The council statement adds: "If we have been unable to collect the green/grey or blue bins on the scheduled day for your street, we will return for them on your street's next scheduled collection day.

"We will collect up to four bags of side waste up to and including Tuesday, 10 January. We ask that waste that can't be recycled please be tied in a black bag and left next to your green/grey bin.

"Blue bags for recycling side waste can be collected at local libraries from Tuesday, 3 January (or Wednesday, January at Stanford Library) – up to four free bags per household, while supplies last – or your recycling can be tied in a clear bag labelled 'Recycling' and left next to your blue bin."