HUNDREDS of householders in the Taunton area have not had their recycling bins emptied today (Monday).

Somerset Waste Partnership has apologised, blaming the problem on "staff shortages".

Areas where pick ups have been missed include Adsborough, Bathpool, Bishop's Hull, Cheddon Fitzpaine, Creech Heathfield, Creech St Michael, Durston, Fivehead, Henlade, Knapp, Langaller, Monkton Heathfield, North Curry, Ruishton, Staplegrove, Thornfalcon, Thurloxton and West Monkton.

An SWP spokesperson said: "We aim to be back from 7am tomorrow Tuesday.

"If you have waste that must go ASAP, if you have time and transport or assistance, and if you prefer, these recycle sites are open Mondays 9am-6pm: Bridgwater, Castle Cary, Chard, Cheddar, Crewkerne, Frome, Minehead, Street, Taunton, Wells, Williton, Yeovil.

"These recycle sites are open Tuesday 9am-6pm: Bridgwater, Castle Cary, Chard, Cheddar, Frome, Street, Taunton, Williton, Yeovil.

"Recycle sites take all kerbside materials for recycling - except food waste (double bag, put in energy-from-waste skip) - and black sack rubbish (bag, put in energy-from-waste skip, it may be opened to check for recyclables). Apologies."