GLASS recycling rounds in the Crossways area continue to be missed because Dorset Council has been unable to replace a specialist vehicle destroyed in the Crookhill depot fire last year.

Ward member Cllr Nick Ireland said that it had now been eight months since the fire and called for a date for the problem to be solved.

Portfolio holder for the service, Cllr Jill Haynes, said the council had replaced almost all of the 20 vehicles which were destroyed but had only been able to replace one of the two specialist vehicles used for collecting recycling at restricted access properties, despite constant contact with vehicle suppliers.

“This means we don’t currently have an appropriate alternative vehicle to collect glass on these difficult to access routes when the one vehicle is off the road, such as for inspections or repair work. This was the case with the recent missed glass collections in Crossways.

“The vehicle we use is now back in service and the glass will be collected at the same time as the recycling. Officers are continuing to look at all options including short term lease, if suitable vehicles are available, whilst procurement options are evaluated for new replacement vehicles.

“In the meantime, we apologise for any inconvenience caused and would kindly remind everyone that we will always collect extra household glass during regular recycling collections if presented in a sturdy container,” said Cllr Haynes at the Thursday evening Dorset Council meeting.