WINCHESTER’S bin collections have been impacted by numerous breakdowns in civic vehicles, a report said.

Several vehicles operated by Biffa were deemed not roadworthy after a change in management.

In recent months there have been as many as 13 vehicles out of action at any one time.

The contact covers Winchester and the East Hampshire districts meaning that vehicles are covering longer distances.

The contact is covered by 33 vehicles with another 12 vehicles on hire.

Because of the shortage of vehicles, collections are being missed and crews are having to work Saturdays to catch up, leaving less time for maintenance.

Calls to customer services increased by 35 per cent in April, hitting 5,000 calls, with a spike in the number of missed bins.

Biffa launched a service improvement plan and as of May 14 all outstanding refuse, recycling, glass and garden waste collections were up to date, a joint meeting was due to hear yesterday in Petersfield.