'Grave concerns' over 'unsafe' skip company as rubbish blows onto Black Country roads
Neighbours have raised "grave concerns" about a skip hire company they say is operating unsafely and leaving rubbish to blow onto nearby roads.
Dudley Council has called upon Newey's Skip Hire Ltd, based in Lye, Dudley, to address the issues.
Residents and small businesses have grown frustrated with issues around waste removal, said Stourbridge and Lye North councillor Mohammed Hanif.
He said rubbish is blowing over nearby roads, oil is leaking onto roads and there are fears the nearby River Stour could become polluted.
He said: "Local residents and small businesses near to this site are angry and have raised grave concerns on the new ownership of the skip hire company.
"The company is operating in an unsafe manner and without proper management waste approvals.
"Rubbish from the skips is blowing all over the highways and other shop frontages.
"There are oil containers which are leaking onto the highway, and this could enter the local river.
"It is next to food outlets, and the highway is left muddy, causing problems for passers-by and other traffic along this very busy road.
"The local authority and the environmental agency are involved to solve the problem."
Community campaigner Maz Qari, who was Labour's candidate for the Lye and Stourbridge North ward in the local elections, added: "Whilst on my local election campaign, I have received many complaints from local residents about nuisance caused by lorries and parking on the highway.
"I will be working with the councillors and Dudley Council to ensure that safety is maintained in this area."
Newey's Skip Hire Ltd was approached for comment.
It is understood Dudley Council has made numerous requests for the skip company to remove waste.
Council bosses are hoping the firm will work to address the issues but they have not ruled out taking legal action.
In response to the story, councillor Patrick Harley, who is leader of Dudley Council, said: "The local planning authority has engaged in discussions with the land owner, the Environment Agency, the operator and also solicitors in regards to this site and hopes that the requests to date will resolve the issues raised without the need for further legal proceedings or notices."
