'Appalling' - 'Vermin' fears as rubbish overflowing from York bin prompting action call

Liberal Democrat activist Andrew Mortimer said waste had been left littered on the pavement by the bin at the row of shops and takeaways by Hull Road’s junction with Melrosegate.

Mr Mortimer added the size of the bin and frequency of collections was totally inadequate.

Ian Hoult, York Council’s environment lead, said officials would continue to monitor the situation to see if a larger bin was necessary.

It comes as Mr Mortimer raised the issue with the Hull Road bin in April last year when officials approved the rollout of larger bins across York city centre.

The activist said the location should included in the rollout of the 240L bins.

It followed instances of bins overflowing and officials said at the time other sites could be considered in the future where necessary.

Mr Mortimer said the Hull Road bin was often overflowing after a busy Saturday and on Sunday, with the council not emptying it until Monday.

Mr Mortimer said: “So far no action has been taken and the bin at Hull Road shops remains totally inadequate.

“Over the last couple of weekends the situation has been appalling with litter and food waste on the pavement around the bin.

“We’re concerned that food waste in the open will attract vermin and for it to be left for a couple of days before it is cleaned up is just wrong.

“I know that local residents are very unhappy that after months nothing has happened.”

Mr Hoult said street cleaners emptied the Hull Road bin three times a week and they had received infrequent reports of it overflowing.

The official said: “This is usually due to large items such as pizza boxes being placed in the bin and blocking the openings, rather than it being over-filled.

“We will continue to monitor this location over the next month to assess if an increase in size is necessary.”