AN APPEAL has gone out to householders not to put broken glass in plastic refuse sacks.

It follows an accident to refuse collector Andrew Hall who had an operation to repair tendons in his hand as a result of a serious cut.

Father of four, Mr Hall, aged 32, of Orchard Avenue, Broadway is a refuse collection vehicle driver employed by FOCSA. He was working in the Warrens area of Evesham, standing behind the vehicle when a bag being thrown into the lorry burst open and a piece of broken glass flew out and cut the tendons in his right hand.

Mr Hall had an operation to repair the tendons and expects to have his hand in plaster for at least six weeks, followed by a period of physiotherapy.

While he is off work Mr Hall will collect only statutory sick pay and handouts from the Government.

His mother-in-law Mary Ball said: "Perhaps the person responsible for putting the glass into the bin bag will reflect on the hardship caused to Mr Hall and his family and never act in such a careless and stupid way again."

Sharon Caswell, client services manager with Wychavon District Council, said: "The council clearly states that glass should never be placed loose in household rubbish. We ask that glass is wrapped and clearly marked.

"Alternatively, it can be placed in recycling banks designed to take glass."