Residents' 'nightmare' as gulls tear open bin bags

Seagulls repeatedly tearing open bags of rubbish outside a block of flats are making residents' lives a misery, it has been claimed.

People living on Sandown Road in Seaforth, Merseyside, said they have had enough of waste - including broken glass and food scraps - being strewn all over their courtyard.

They told the Local Democracy Reporting Service their refuse collectors would only deal with bin bags rather than wheelie bins. "It's terrible," Virginia Mason complained. "Seagulls, cats and rats are all at the bin bags - we're just at the end of our tether."

Sefton Council has since confirmed that wheelie bins will be delivered.

Mason said: "Many years ago, we used to have bins at the back of the flats without a problem but then they had to move them outside.

"I wish I'd had a pound for every time we've reported it and nothing has been done.

"It's so unfair - everyone has a bin shed outside their front door, so there's no excuse really for leaving them out. Enough's enough.

"Nobody seems to care. A few of us are left to clean up.

"It's terrible, we try our hardest but it's a nightmare."

Mason said her neighbours were previously promised a skip by One Vision - which owns the flats - and Sefton Council, in recognition that something needed to be done about the issue.

Another tenant, David Phillips, said he had contacted the housing association, local councillors and MPs about the issue, but complained that it still fell to the residents to clear up the rubbish.

"This issue has been going on for a number of years," he said. "It happens every week.

"And because it's a bit breezy, the next thing you know the litter is all up the street."

Phillips also said he was worried about rat infestations - adding that he and others were hesitant about picking up rubbish because they do not know what is in it.

Councillor Peter Harvey said: "We are aware of the issues on Sandown Road, and wheelie bins will be delivered this week.

"We will continue working with One Vision Housing to deliver the best solution for residents, including implementing community skips.

"We thank residents for their patience and support and are confident that conditions will improve once wheeled bin collections are in place."

A spokesperson for One Vision said: "We are aware of the waste management issues raised by residents.

"Consultation with the community is ongoing to find a permanent solution."

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