WATCH: Rubbish bags left to pile up outside flats attracting rats
Rubbish has been left to pile up at a set of flats in Willenhall, attracting rats and foxes, residents claim.
Bags of waste generated over Christmas have overflown the bin store at homes in Stroud Avenue and spilled out on to the pavement.
Residents have said the council binmen who have come to collect the rubbish have only taken pictures of the trash instead of removing it.
Anthony Hadley-Western, who lives at Stroud Avenue, said neither Walsall Council, who collect refuse, or Walsall Housing Group, the landlords, had taken responsibility so far.
He said: "Our group of flats hasn't had our rubbish collected since December 20.
"I have had several conversations with WHG about it.
"We have already had rats ripping the bags open as well as foxes.
"But still nothing is being done about it."
In response to the concerns both organisations vowed to address the problems swiftly.
Walsall Councillor Louise Harrison, responsible for Clean and Green said: "I can confirm that the waste at Stroud Avenue is due to be collected this weekend or on Monday.
"The unprecedented level of waste we've had to deal with over the holiday at multi occupancy locations is really about waste management and as a result we will be seeking to meet with landlords to look at joint working to prevent this from happening in the future.
"Although it's been tough to keep on top of this I would like to thank the vast majority of residents throughout the borough for their patience and resourcefulness in helping to manage their waste and recycling responsibly."
WHG echoed the council's response.
Gary Brookes, Director of Housing at whg said: "We understand our customers' concerns and whg has been working closely with Walsall Council to ensure bin collections can be carried out at our blocks.
"Our teams have undertaken extra visits to the bin stores over the past week and we have hired a rubbish collection vehicle to assist the Council to remove excess refuse
"The Council now has a plan in place and we will be supporting it as it aims to remove all waste from our blocks by the end of next week.
"We will continue to work closely with the Council to put a long-term plan in place."
It comes after residents living in WHG flats in Bloxwich reported similarly problems last weekend.
