after chaos caused by the breakdown of eight of their 19 refuse trucks.

Residents all over the Island suffered missed collections after a freak run of mechanical problems hit the service. Trash piled up outside homes as temperatures -- and tempers -- soared.

One resident on West Park Lane, Pembroke, who did not want to be named, said: "We're disgusted. Cats get into it, and with the weather so hot and humid, the situation becomes worse.

"There are at least three guest houses in the neighbourhood and I can't imagine the tourists are too impressed.'' Waste disposal superintendent Mr. Dennis Spencer said disaster first struck last Thursday, when three trucks broke down. Between that evening and Friday, they were joined by another five.

"They all broke down at just about the same time and that's the reason we got a bit behind,'' said Mr. Spencer. "They went down with very minor problems which became bigger when the mechanics started looking at them.

"Everybody's been affected,'' he admitted last night. "Now we've got a few trucks back on the road and hopefully by the end of the evening we should be back in business, barring any more problems.'' Garbage collectors had been working evenings to try to catch up, while those unable to go out worked on refitting the refuse plant.