“SIGNIFICANT staff shortages” will impact on waste collections throughout the Borders for weeks to come, a council spokesperson has warned.

Already this week there have been several missed collections in Hawick, Selkirk, Jedburgh, Duns and other parts of Berwickshire.

On Wednesday (October 30) further general waste collections were missed in Gala Water and Coopersknowe, again due to a shortage of staff.

Residents and trade waste customers were advised that a recovery of these general waste bins would take place on Saturday.

Now a spokesperson for the council has warned the public that the disruption is set to continue for weeks.

They said: “As a result of significant staffing shortages, including higher than normal staff absences, and combined with vehicle breakdowns, waste collections across the Scottish Borders are likely to be impacted in the coming weeks.

“We are working hard to rectify this situation and would like to apologise for any disruption this will cause.”

Residents have been advised to regularly check the council's missed collections webpage for more details.

You can also sign up to its Scottish Borders Recycles online tool/mobile app which can notify you of any missed collections specifically for your address.