Refuse workers who keep missing bin collections in north Norfolk will face “further sanctions” if they do not improve their performance.

George Roach, Serco contract manager, said the measures were aimed at cutting the number of missed bin collections in the district following months of disruption. 

“We are now doing weekly crew debriefs with all of the worst-performing crews with regards to the missed bins," Mr Roach told North Norfolk District Council’s overview and scrutiny committee on February 15. 

"That will potentially lead to further sanctions on the crews if they don’t start improving their performance.” 

Serco has come under fire for missing thousands of bin collections in north Norfolk since its routes changed on September 5, ironically in a bid to improve efficiency.

A record 541 bins were missed in the week starting October 10.

In the four weeks before the change, workers were missing between 77-155 bins a week. 

Although the number of missed collections has been trending slowly downward, councillors are still demanding Serco make further improvements. 

Mr Roach said the most recent weekly figure was 132 missed collections - but Coastal ward councillor Dr Victoria Holliday said this was still too high. 

North Norfolk News: Councillor Dr Victoria Holliday - Picture: SuppliedCouncillor Dr Victoria Holliday - Picture: Supplied (Image: Newsquest)

Dr Holliday said: “It’s not as good as it was. So whatever error there is, it’s worst than it used to be, so we have to change that.”

Mr Roach said it had also proven difficult to find enough staff to work Saturday ‘catch-up’ shifts. 

Serco also collects bins in Breckland and King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, but Mr Roach said “workforce relations” were “very different” across the districts.

He said: “They were all offered the same pay deal.

"King’s Lynn and West Norfolk settled in November last year, whereas Unision, in Breckland and North Norfolk, rejected and we’re still currently in negotiations."