Leeds neighbours demand removal of 'appalling' fly-tipping pile being climbed on by kids and attracting rats

Neighbours on a Leeds street say that young people have been climbing on a rat-infested rubbish pile left outside of a house as they continuously call for the “appalling” mess to be removed

A mountain of discarded rubbish - including mattresses, windows, packaging and a sofa - has built up outside of the house on Harlech Terrace in Beeston since it was boarded up over a year ago.

A number of residents have reported the mess to Leeds City Council, who have since apologised for the “frustrating and unacceptable” mess.

A council spokesperson explained that the property is privately owned and that a “complex case” is being worked through to “ensure the issue is resolved properly”.

Residents said that young people have been climbing on top of the rubbish heap and smashing the windows with stones.

Maysha Nowrin, who lives directly opposite the house, said: “This mess has been like this close to a year and people seem to just keep dropping stuff there. We have no idea who’s doing it but they continue to pile it up.

“It’s not safe. The kids are climbing on it and now there are rats.

“We have been here for years and have never seen it this bad.”

Nickie Wilson, who has lived on the street for 20 years, said: “It looks awful. It makes the street look messy and now we’ve got rats.”

Yvonne Crowther said that she had visited her sister on the street and was “absolutely appalled” by what she saw. She said: “It's an absolute hazard and dreadful for those who live on the street.”

She said that the area has a high turnover of residents in rented accommodation and that it is being used as somewhere to dispose of rubbish.

Ms Crowther said that her sister has reported the matter but “it has only gotten worse”.

She said: “Apart from it being unsightly it is unfair for residents to have to live with that mess and risk.

“The council need to remove it and put signs up to say that if there’s any fly tipping, they will find out who is doing it and they will be fined accordingly.”

A Leeds City Council spokesperson said: “We understand how frustrating and unacceptable this situation is for residents, and we are sorry for the impact it is having on the local community.

“This is a complex case involving a privately owned property, and it is important that the correct legal processes are followed to ensure the issue is resolved properly.

“The property has been subject to ongoing investigation and action, including works to secure the building and the use of formal notices.

“We are continuing to take enforcement action to address the condition of the property and surrounding land and to ensure it is cleared.”