Bin collectors are being trained to drive bin lorries for East Hampshire District Council in an effort to ease the shortage of drivers.

Across the district, the lack of drivers with council bin contractor Norse South East has seen bins left unemptied.

And residents are being asked to leave their bins kerbside until refuse trucks can get to them.

A report to councillors says: “The ongoing difficulties in crewing refuse collection vehicles continue nationally and locally and it seems unlikely there will be a quick solution to them.

“Norse are providing short term additional resources, including weekend working, wherever possible to catch up with the delayed collections and are medium term resourcing improvements.”

And the council has stepped in, helping provide additional driver ‘manpower’ to assist Norse with the catch up on outstanding bin emptying.

Council chief executive Gill Kneller said: “There is a driver issue with the bin service, but it’s a national problem as well as here.

“To help we are putting about 10 bin operatives through their HGV course to qualify as lorry drivers, so they can be called on if needed.

“But they aren’t be ready to take the lorries out yet.

“When they are qualified they may not always be called onto drive, but will be there if needed.

“We looked at getting agency drivers but it wasn’t viable.”

And according to council leader Richard Millard using temporary agency drivers wasn’t a realistic option as they cost too much now; up to £70,000 a year has been quoted.

And with winter approaching, the problem could get worse with delivery companies like Amazon ramping up driver recruitment ahead of Christmas, with seasonal illnesses like flue adding to the misery.

Residents should only log their missed bins after a collection has taken place using the website at https://www.easthants.gov.uk/bincollections

They can also sign up to https://my.easthants.gov.uk/ for regular updates.