A FIRE in a lorry caused delays in bin collection times across the city this morning.

Worcester City Council said waste collection times are finally back on track after a fire in one of its lorries disrupted its services. 

The fire had started inside the load of a collection vehicle on Bevere Drive.

Fire crews had then escorted the vehicle safely to a waste depot at Sixways, where it was emptied and examined by firefighters.

A spokesperson for Worcester City Council said: "Bin rounds are continuing as normal this morning following a small incident with one of our waste collection lorries.

"The Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service attended and judged that the vehicle could be safely driven under escort to a waste depot at Sixways, where it was emptied and examined by firefighters.

"Thanks to the quick actions of everybody involved the collection vehicle was inspected and is now continuing its round.

"We would like to thank the bin collection staff and firefighters for dealing with the incident quickly and effectively."

A spokesperson for Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said: "A Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service crew from Worcester Fire Station was called to a large vehicle on fire in Bevere Drive, Worcester at 8.06am on July 18.

"The fire was in one compartment of a refuse vehicle and, after an initial assessment, the vehicle was judged fit to be driven under escort to a waste depot at Sixways.

"The contents of the lorry were then emptied and thoroughly checked with a thermal imaging camera but there was no sign of fire or hotspots."