SALISBURY waste collection lorries had their tyres damaged after the depot was broken into, causing more disruption to bin collections in the county.

Wiltshire Council has said that its Household Recycling Centre in the Churchfield Industrial Estate, Stephenson Road, was broken into and around 30 vehicles had their tyres deflated.

UPDATE: End to strike - bin collections to resume

The incident happened overnight, after the site had been secured, between Tuesday and Wednesday (March 15 and 16).

It caused a delay to vehicles leaving the depot, meaning more disruption to waste collection services, particularly for those in the south of the county.

The council says any household or garden waste collections not carried out yesterday (Wednesday, March 16) will now be prioritised for collection as soon as possible.

The additional disruption comes at a time when industrial action between the GMB Union and Hills Municipal Collections has resulted in Wiltshire Council temporarily suspending all recycling collections in the county.

Cllr Dr Mark McClelland, Wiltshire Council Cabinet Member for waste, said: “This is an act of selfish criminality, aimed at causing more disruption to our waste collection services at a time when they’re already under severe pressure.

“Our teams worked hard this morning to get some vehicles out of the depot and we thank them for their efforts, and I’m sure they will catch up on services quickly.

“We continue to thank people for their patience, which we know is being tested at the moment, but we’re working hard to limit the disruption being caused to our waste services.”

Wiltshire Police are investigating reports that a number of vehicles at the site had their tyres let down.

"A fence at the site, which is managed by Hills Waste, also appears to have been damaged. Our enquires are ongoing into this matter," a spokesperson said.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting log 23 of Wednesday (16/03).

The strike continues

Members of the union are voting today (Thursday March 17) - with results expected this afternoon - on a new pay offer from Hills.

If members vote in favour, this will end the strike, according to GMB.

Nicola Nixon, GMB Organiser, said: “GMB members have stood firm and united throughout this dispute.

“We are pleased to have negotiated an improved offer from the company which we will be balloting our members on tomorrow.  

“Ultimately, it will be down to the members whether this offer goes far enough for them to accept the offer and end the strike.  

“We are also seeking reassurance from the company that if the members accept the offer there will be no reprisals against any of the workforce as a result of the strike.” 

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