The council has been beset by yet more problems around refuse collection in the Leeman Road area.

It has emerged that refuse has been left uncollected for around four weeks, with back alleys in much of the Leeman Road area overflowing with household rubbish.

Ward councillor Sonja Crisp was called to the area this morning to assess the extent of the problems. She said:

"I spent three hours on Thursday last week touring the areas affected, explaining the problems and what needed doing. Today, I have spent a further three hours (see attached photo) personally clearing the back alley between Salisbury Terrace and Bromley Street, which has become overrun with overflowing wheelie bins and extra black rubbish bags" (see attached photo).

"The problem is now as much one of an health hazard as poor service from the council. There is evidence of rats and I cleared up rubbish infested with maggots bluebottle flies. It stinks and this is unsurprising in the current weather.

"I've moved all the rubbish to the end of the alley, as both the gates have been unlocked on a daily basis, in the hope that the council may actually be able to get rid of it today, following similar assurances last week.

"The council needs to sort the whole issue of refuse collection in gated alley areas quickly. The refuse collectors themselves are doing their best and are not to blame as the goalposts move every week. They have been given mixed instructions as to what is expected of them, as have the residents.

Coun. Crisp followed refuse collection staff round with officers last Thursday to see how they work, while fellow ward councillor James Alexander will be joining them on 22nd July to do the same.