RESIDENTS in Banwell were rudely awoken by a dustman over the Christmas period.

RESIDENTS in Banwell were 'rudely awoken by a dustman' over the Christmas period.

An over-zealous Biffa staff member woke villagers after starting his 'green box' collection round early.

North Somerset councillor Tim Marter, who lives in High Street, was woken by his intruder alarm, which had been activated by the recycling collector, at around 6.45am on December 29.

Cllr Marter said: "It was a rude awakening by the dustman, but I know he was just trying to get his round over and done with."

A Biffa spokesman said: "I would like to apologise to residents of Banwell and especially to the councillor whose alarm system was activated.

"I have issued a memo to all staff explaining what happened and instructing them not to leave the depot before 7am.