A call has gone out to qualified HGV drivers in Williton, including any who recently retired, to apply for jobs and help get kerbside waste pick-ups back on track.

Rubbish and garden waste collections have been running behind and the Somerset Waste Partnership (SWP) is asking for public patience as it works with its contractor Suez to resolve the problem.

The disruption to collections, with delays across much of Somerset, is due to shortage of drivers, compounded by heavy loads and, in recent weeks, increased congestion in some parts of the county.

Rubbish and garden waste routes are being prioritised and Suez has drafted in extra drivers from elsewhere to help improve collections in the coming weeks.

Qualified HGV drivers are urged to consider driver/loader vacancies in Williton, Bridgwater, Evercreech, Taunton and Yeovil.

The Road Haulage Association last week said the HGV driver shortage nationally was of “catastrophic proportions”. It is estimated at 70,000.

SWP managing director Mickey Green said: “This is a major national issue that hits Somerset especially hard and anyone affected will be frustrated.

“I apologise for this and ask that you please bear with as we work with Suez to tackle the underlying issues and to keep residents informed.”

Driver training and testing has been slowed by Covid-19 restriction, and EU drivers leaving the UK have worsened long-term driver shortages. As home for many distribution centres, driver recruitment is especially difficult in Somerset.

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

Vacancy details can be found at careers.suez.co.uk/vacancies

Residents are asked to report any missed collection after 7pm on the due day using My Waste Services at somersetwaste.gov.uk (tip: postcode with gap AB1 2CD).