04 May 2024 , 15:25
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Retired residents have resorted to scaring away 'huge' rats after the council failed to collect their bins for six weeks. A foul stench built up as the pile of black bags got bigger with every passing week.
Overflowing waste bins, discarded mattresses, and other filth could be seen from the roadside. One occupant of the apartments in Birmingham said she had to knock on the door to the garbage area to scare away any rodents.
The council has now issued an apology after complaints by residents about the "outrageous" mess. The occupants claimed the situation got worse with every passing week.
A group of residents said they complained to the manager of the housing association who asked the council to remove the horrendous pile - but nothing happened. In the meantime, they have had to put up with well-nourished rodents scurrying about, a foul smell and eyesore garbage blighting the neat block of flats for the over 55s.
Milton Godfrey, 80, said: "For six weeks, nobody has collected the rubbish. We've got rats, you're putting people at risk. It's just piling up, the conditions are outrageous."
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Annette Campbell, 63, she she was forced to scare any feasting rats away. She said: "The big things are the rats; they are out day and night. They are not afraid to come out because they've got plenty of food and places to hide. Another resident and I were putting the bags out and a rat dived out."
Another lady, who did not wish to be named, said: "It stinks, there's rats and it encourages fly-tipping. "There's even Christmas trees - where did they come from? Because we are on the main road, people see the opportunity to fly-tip."
Within hours of visiting the complex on Friday (May 3), Birmingham City Council cleared the rubbish and apologised for missed collections, citing 'issues around access', reports BirminghamLive.
Councillor Majid Mahmood said: “We apologise for missed collections at this location. Unfortunately there have been some issues around access but we have now collected them today.
"We know how important our waste service is to the people of Birmingham and we will work to resolve any problems to ensure that regular collections are carried out.”