RECYCLING collections are set to be missed in several areas of Somerset tomorrow (Friday, June 18).

Somerset Waste Partnership is warning people in Bridgwater, Castle Cary, Wincanton, Bruton, Stogursey, Holford, Stringston, East Quantoxhead, Kilve, Brompton Ralph, Taunton, Norton Fitzwarren and Cheddon Fitzpaine not to expect their green, black and brown boxes to be emptied.

The pick ups will be rescheduled for next Friday (June 25).

People are being asked to sort extra materials into containers with their boxes and food bin.

An SWP spokesperson said crews are working flat-out to complete delayed collections despite an acute driver shortage and moving Friday's missed recycling to next week will help get collections back on track.

TYhe spokesperson said SWP apologises for the disruption and is working hard with its contractor SUEZ to address the problems. However, there is no quick fix and continued disruption is likely in the near future.

Recycling collections in other parts of the county may also be affected depending on tomorrow’s progress.

Rubbish and garden waste collections should not be impacted, but catch-up collections will happen on Saturday if needed.

The long-term shortage of drivers nationally has been worsened by Covid-19 delays to training and testing, and EU drivers leaving the UK, as has the demand coming from the recent reopening of non-essential retail.

The national driver shortfall is estimated at 70,000 and has been described by the Road Haulage Association as being of “catastrophic proportions”.

Qualified HGV drivers, including anyone recently retired, are urged to consider driver and crew vacancies in Bridgwater, Evercreech, Taunton, Williton and Yeovil.

SUEZ is working hard to retain, recruit and train drivers, including substantial advertising, a "refer a friend" scheme and approaching ex-Forces networks.