WASTE and recycling collections in parts of Oxfordshire have been thrown into disarray after vandals broke into a depot - smashing the windscreens of 22 vehicles.

Damage caused by the weekend attack runs into thousands of pounds.

About half of the fleet of vehicles, housed at Radley near Abingdon and run by the contractor Veolia for the Vale of White Horse and West Oxfordshire district councils, is out of action.

Both councils have been forced into re-scheduling collections this week.

Collections in West Oxfordshire from kerbside recycling boxes is running late today and is being made by different types of vehicle.

In some areas glass collections are being done separately. Wheelie bin and business waste collections are not affected.

The Vale council said there would be no collections today.

A gradual catch-up is expected over the next few days. Most of the refuse and recycling vehicles are out on the road but disruption is likely.

There will be no collection of bulk waste today and the council says residents will be advised about alternative arrangements.

Police are appealing for information from anyone who saw anything suspicious late on Saturday or early Sunday morning in and around the Radley depot - an isolated compound along Thrupp Lane not far from Radley Lakes.

Witnesses should contact the police on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.