CLEAR recycling bags have been piling up outside properties and along roadsides as disruptions to Ceredigion's waste collection service continues.

There were 24 service routes cancelled between 24 and 30 August in the build-up to the Bank holiday weekend, affecting over 100 communities.

South Ceredigion towns Cardigan, Llandysul, New Quay, Aberaeron and Lampeter, and surrounding villages were affected as bags and food waste remained uncollected.

Residents have been advised on the Council website to represent uncollected recycling and food waste on the next scheduled collection date instead.

"Unfortunately but inevitably a variety of issues can affect our ability to deliver waste collection services," said a statement from the Council.

"These include the availability of staff and vehicles as well as issues affecting access.

"We sincerely apologise when services are disrupted and look to respond as quickly as possible.

"The waste collection service is usually provided between 8am and 4pm, however there may be occasions where we work outside these hours.

"Please therefore do not report a missed bin until the day after your scheduled collection.

"We would like to thank our residents for their understanding and ongoing support at this particularly challenging time."

In a previous statement, the Council said that social distancing requirements and increased tourism has affected the efficiency of its service.

"The social distancing requirements have impacted on many services, public and private, that rely on the use of vehicles," a spokesperson said.

"The opportunities to acquire additional suitable vehicles have been extremely limited.

“Unfortunately, but perhaps inevitably, the Covid-19 situation and summer tourism has resulted in an increase in waste being presented for collection by householders.

"This is contributing to the workload of the refuse collection staff.

“You will have no doubt witnessed the additional hours that many of our staff are already undertaking, on a voluntary overtime basis, in order to try to maintain a reliable core waste collection service.

“Despite this, there have been times where we have been unable to deliver this important service in full."