Residents at flats in Long Riding say heap is attracting rats (From Echo)

Residents at flats in Long Riding say heap is attracting rats

10:30am Friday 19th March 2010 in

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FED-UP council tenants are demanding a putrid pile of rubbish be removed from outside their homes.

Residents of flats in Long Riding, Basildon, are calling on St Georges Community Housing Association to clear it away immediately.

The heap contains glass and furniture, as well as discarded food, and has attracted rats.

It has built up in the communal rubbish area, and residents say they don’t know who the culprits are.

Jamie Rogers, 16, says it has been a problem since he moved in to the block in October.

He says residents are overwhelmed by the smell when they open their windows, and families are worried it is a health risk to their children.

He said: “We have repeatedly asked for it to be cleared, but nothing has been done. It’s disgusting and it is really is starting to affect our quality of life.”

Neighbour Christiana Kirby, 41, said: “I have reported seeing rats in the entrance hall, but we have just been left to fend for ourselves.”

Joanne Medhurst, spokeswoman for St Georges, which manages the flats for Basildon Council, said: “We are aware of the waste issue at this property and the problem was first reported to us last week. We have since been in constant communication with all residents at this estate.

“We have arranged for the rubbish to be cleared.

“Environmental health have inspected the area and confirmed there are no health risks.”