Some residents have complained that their bins have not been emptied for three weeks, causing foul smells and problems with vermin.

Refuse and street cleaning workers strike today for the third consecutive week in a row over new pay structures. There will be a demonstration outside Leeds Civic Hall from noon.

GMB union regional organiser Bill Chard predicted that the action would continue.

He claimed the authority was breaking the law by using agency workers to break the strike but this has been denied by the council.

A spokesman said agency staff were being used to cover staff vacancies and sickness, but not to cover for striking staff, which is illegal.

Last night Coun Steve Smith, executive member with responsibility for refuse collection said the action was being felt.

"It is having an impact on our ability to catch up on work outstanding while trying to continue to with normal collections.

"Regrettably, a small number of households have been missed – but we are working extremely hard to clear the backlog."