Inside street 'overran with rats and smells so bad residents can't hang washing'

16 November 2023 , 22:28

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The North Ormesby alleyway stinks so bad locals are refusing to hang their washing out (Image: No credit)

A Middlesbrough alleyway is reportedly overrun with rats and smells so bad that locals can't hang their washing out.

One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said the problem was due to flytipping in the area. They said: "Although these alleys have lockable gates people are still managing to get rubbish in. People in other properties [...] also use it.

"I don't know who is doing it as most of the people along here are respectable. I rang the council again only yesterday and I hope they come today as it's getting beyond a joke."

The frustrated local continued: "There are rats having a wonderful time with dirty barbecues left from the summer. They are nesting in the filthy mattresses.

One resident said it was due to flytipping (Teesside Live)

Rats are reportedly nesting in the discarded mattresses (No credit)

"We try to keep our homes respectable and clean but how can we when these smells are coming through? You can't even hang your washing out in the summer because of the smell. My blood boils with it."

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Enforcement officer, Michael Trainor, highlighted a "serious problem" with flytipping in North Ormesby's alleyways. He said: "As I am the enforcement officer for the patch, I am doing all I can to solve the problem,"

"We have recently received funding from the local councillor along with the Big Local Fund to provide funding for cameras to be put in the alleyways." he added. A number of people are now under investigation for flytipping.

The main road near the alleyway (Google Street View)

Trainor has also written to nearly all of the tenants in North Ormesby about proper waste disposal. Middlesbrough Council cracked down on flytipping and overflowing bins in Newport ward last month. Environmental safety wardens and the flytipping 'flying squad' took action in several streets and alleyways.

Community payback supported some of the work, with letters explaining the operation sent to affected residents. Flytipping can be reported to the council's contact centre on 01642 726001 or online.

* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can report any errors to [email protected]

Ryan Fahey