RECYCLING collections in Taunton were delayed by FIVE HOURS after poor parking trapped the vehicle.

The crew got stuck in Belmont Road, Galmington, yesterday (August 11) due to cars being parking poorly in the road, which meant collections were very late, or just missed altogether.

A Somerset Waste Partnership spokesman has urged all drivers to park carefully to avoid blocking emergency vehicles and waste trucks.

He said: "Access for our trucks can be problem, in towns and villages across the county, especially during holidays when more people are at home, and of course more so now with more people working from home.

“In this case the crew did what they could until cars were moved and they were able to get on. It’s frustrating, especially on such a hot day and we’d like to thank the residents who were very understanding and helpful.

“As well as making our job a lot harder, people need to remember that if our truck can’t get down a road, the same will probably go for an fire appliance or ambulance.

“We know it’s difficult, but more than ever we’d ask people to park considerately for everyone’s benefit.”

SWP hopes that extra work by other crews will ensure that all collections are completed.