The company responsible for rubbish collections in Abingdon has pledged to improve its services following complaints that it has become unreliable.

Elderly residents living in flats in Lenthall Road, Abingdon, say they are unhappy with the service provided by contractors Biffa.

Their complaints follow concerns earlier this year from 50 people living in Inkerman Close, who signed a petition calling for improve- ments.

Martin Cranham whose 86-year-old mother Clarice lives in the flats, said rubbish was not collected for two weeks. He said: "The arrangement is that rubbish is picked up from the rear of the flats for those elderly and infirm residents. Young residents put their rubbish out on the edge of the road.

"The collection service is unreliable and distressing for elderly people who see the rubbish pile up and it can become a health risk."

A spokesman for Biffa Barry Walton apologised to residents who were inconvenienced by missed collections. He admitted that Biffa had experienced difficulties but said five new staff had been recently recruited.

He said: "We are confident the service will begin to improve and meet the high standards expected by the council and its residents. If rubbish is not collected we urge people to contact us as soon as possible so we can rectify the matter."

The Vale of White Horse District Council contract awarded to the company in 1996 expires in October.

The council is having talks with ten companies, including Biffa, which is tendering for the new contract.