REPORTS of a collision involving a car and a rubbish truck, which left a worker with serious injuries “reminds us all of the risks taken” to provide vital services to residents, a councillor has said.

The bin man was working behind the lorry when it was involved in a crash with a Ford Fiesta in Middle Barton last week.

The worker, aged in his 50s, was taken to hospital with serious leg injuries.

Police have launched an investigation.

West Oxfordshire District Council's waste contractor, Ubico, said it had been a "horrible experience" for the worker and his colleagues.

Managing director Beth Boughton said: "The health and safety of our teams is of utmost importance and we take every available precaution to make sure our staff are safe.

"The incident is being investigated by Thames Valley Police and Ubico is cooperating fully with their inquiries."

Officers have appealed for anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact them.

Councillor Norman MacRae, cabinet member for environment, told a cabinet meeting: “Officers have been keeping me informed and our thoughts are with the injured man and his family at this difficult time.

"Working with Ubico we take staff safety very seriously and we ensure that all the correct training and measures are put in place to protect staff and reduce risk.

"Although rare this kind of incident reminds us all of the risks taken on a daily basis to provide vital services to the residents of West Oxfordshire."