Residents of Ashton Croft in Ladywood, Birmingham are facing a worsening crisis as household waste collections have been suspended since January 28th, leaving streets piled high with refuse and sparking growing concerns about public health.
For over ten weeks, bins have remained uncollected, leading to the accumulation of “waste mountains” that residents describe as a serious environmental hazard. Concerns are escalating with reports of increased rodent activity in the area.
“We’re still being left in the dark,” stated resident George Smith, who has been vocal about the situation. He expressed frustration with Birmingham City Council’s response, noting that despite repeated attempts to raise the issue, including at a recent council meeting, he received “no response whatsoever” from the deputy leader.
Smith confirmed he will escalate the matter to his MP, Shabana Mahmood, and ultimately the Secretary of State for Justice if collections aren’t resumed by next Tuesday, marking eleven weeks without service. He has already written to the Justice Secretary outlining his serious concerns about the council’s failure.
The ongoing waste crisis is linked to industrial action taken by Birmingham City Council bin workers protesting pay cuts and the elimination of waste collection and recycling officer roles. Nearly 400 workers walked out indefinitely last month, with Unite Union warning that disruptions could continue well into the summer months.
Smith believes there may be a disparity in service levels across the city, suggesting more affluent areas are receiving preferential treatment.
“The lack of service raises serious concerns about the equity of waste collection across Birmingham,” he explained. “Prior to the strike action, collections were already absent from Ashton Croft for six weeks, while other streets continued without interruption.”
Smith’s frustration is clear:
“The council is meant to serve, support and protect the community, but it’s failing on every level. The lack of any response amounts to burying its head in the sand while residents are left to deal with the consequences.”
He noted that overflowing communal bins now spill onto the streets, and he has observed evidence of vermin.
The situation is further complicated by a recent rise in fly-tipping, exacerbating existing environmental and public health risks.
Key Concerns:
- Over ten weeks without waste collection on Ashton Croft
- Accumulation of overflowing refuse and increased rodent activity
- Rise in fly-tipping
- Concerns about equitable waste collection services across Birmingham
- Ongoing dispute between council bin workers and the local authority
Birmingham City Council has been contacted for comment.
