RESIDENT Alex Chilton has criticised a rubbish collection service for Chinnor claiming it is failing the village.

At a meeting of Chinnor Parish Council on Monday, Mr Chilton said South Oxfordshire District Council and its contractor, SITA, failed to pick up rubbish on the correct day, if at all.

The district council has admitted there are problems with the recruitment of drivers and loaders but Mr Chilton said this was not good enough.

He said: "There's rubbish blowing all over the road.

"What chance do villages have for winning Best Village Competition when it's like this?"

Chairman of the parish council Lyn Mumford said there were problems.

She said: "It means more work for our staff to clear up."

A statement by South Oxford District Council said contractor SITA is currently advertising for staff and is in discussion with the council about its plans for improvement.

The council said collections took place each day from Tuesday last week, although it had not been possible to complete all rounds.

The council has also placed a daily up-date on the its website www.southoxon.gov.uk

A message giving the latest information on refuse collection is available on 01491 823416.