Fly-tip yobs dump rubbish in middle of Wolverhampton street
They are streets lined with shops and houses, the home to a proud and thriving community.
But to some, Blakenhall in Wolverhampton has become a dumping ground.
In recent days, piles of household rubbish have been abandoned on pavements in the area. Surrounding areas, like Graiseley, have also been targeted.
People attempting to reach shops on busy Dudley Road are being forced to leave the pavement.
The rubbish includes discarded tables, chairs, carpets and bags of mixed household waste.
Locals say the rubbish is not only unsightly but it is attracting vermin.
One resident contacted the Express & Star after seeing a ‘rat the size of a cat’ run from some of the rubbish this week.
He said: “This problem has been going on for a long time but it is escalating.
“It has got to the point where I think people just accept it and it is diabolical. It is the spread of disease and vermin.
“I was in Wanderers Avenue and I saw a cat which could have been mistaken for a cat, it was that big.
“I was horrified when I saw it, it was absolutely huge.
“There are getting plenty of food as people are just leaving their rubbish on the side of the street.”
Wolverhampton council spokesman Tim Clark, said: “Fly-tipping is a national problem and it seems to happen in certain areas of Wolverhampton more frequently than in others.
“We take an intelligence-led approach where we known this happens most frequently.
“That means more frequent patrols and communication with residents living there, asking them to be on the lookout for offenders and also reminding them of their responsibilities as homeowners.”
Fly-tipping can attract penalty notices of between £150 and £400 or an appearance before magistrates.
