Table of Contents
- State of Roads in Birmingham
- Residents' Frustration
- Details of the Bin Strike
- Local Residents' Perspectives
- Union and Council Response
FURIOUS residents in Birmingham feel “ashamed” and “depressed” about the condition of their roads amid the ongoing bin strike.
As rats scurry through the litter-covered streets and bins overflow with trash following Christmas, locals have expressed their profound frustration with the situation.
Residents report that the overflowing litter is attracting vermin like ratsCredit: SWNS
Post-Christmas rubbish has only added to the heaps of wasteCredit: SWNS
The bin strike has persisted since MarchCredit: SWNS
Disturbing images now reveal heaps of festive rubbish accumulating on the streets after nearly a year of bin strikes.
Mountains of black bin bags, including Christmas waste, have been left to decay on the streets in the Small Heath and Bordesley Green neighborhoods.
Families are uncertain when their rubbish will be collected, given the ongoing situation.
The conflict began in January as bin workers protested against Birmingham City Council’s decision to eliminate Waste Recycling and Collection Officer positions.
An indefinite all-out strike commenced in March, prompting the city council to respond.
Now, residents report that overflowing wheelie bins and illegally dumped waste are “overwhelming” as the strikes appear set to extend into the new year.
Father of one, Paul Dalgliesh, 44, from Small Heath, shared: “I dreaded the festive period and within a day after Christmas, the rubbish situation worsened.
“It makes you feel ashamed; you look around and feel embarrassed to live in this city at the moment.
“Seeing the state of the area makes you feel depressed. At this time of year, you want the complete opposite.
“It’s hard to get into the festive spirit when you look out your door and see the streets in such disarray. Everyone is fed up.”
Another resident, Gail Burgess, noted that illegal dumping has also increased, as the bin strikes mean it goes unaddressed. “Shops just discard their rubbish outside,” she said.
Another local, who wished to remain anonymous, commented: “I’m asthmatic and I feel terrible walking past it.
“There are a lot of rats, but we just have to cope with it. It’s such a mess, and we don’t know what to do.
“People are doing their best, but others who lack consideration just come along and dump their waste.
“It’s been a nightmare, and it’s nearly been a year; when will it all end?”
Unite announced that members are planning a third “megapicket” in the city next month and warned that action could persist beyond the local elections in May.
Birmingham council workers will now be joined on picket lines by agency workers employed by Job & Talent in the refuse contract.
Unite's national lead officer, Onay Kasab, stated: “Residents of Birmingham will justifiably be concerned that the bin strike misery will continue through Christmas, New Year, and beyond the local elections in May, but the council bears full responsibility for the ongoing dispute.
“Unite remains committed to returning to meaningful negotiations to secure a fair deal for affected workers while ensuring that the pervasive culture of bullying and threats of blacklisting is eradicated.”
Residents claim the rubbish heaps encourage more illegal dumpingCredit: SWNS
Some streets are littered with bin bags and other wasteCredit
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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