Street overrun with rats which smells so bad residents keep their windows closed
Neighbours have been "fighting a losing battle" to prevent rats scuttling amongst rubbish lining the alleyways and streets.
Householders in part of Rusholme, Manchester, say authorities must do more to help tackle the "infestation" which has blighted their neighbourhood for some time.
Alleyways between terraced streets in the area, two miles from the city centre, are often used by fly-tippers.
Yasmin Rakha, 40, told Manchester Evening News: "I've been told I'm overreacting but this is our reality. We’re being known for the ‘rodent-infested’ street because of other people dumping their waste.
"It’s embarrassing to live here. We’ve tried to fight this issue in the past to no outcome. Neighbours don’t feel as though things will change."
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Vermin is attracted to waste left for collection - or dumped by flytippers (Manchester Evening News / MEN Media)While Manchester City Council says it is working to fight the problem, Yasmin and other residents are considering moving away.
Images taken by a Manchester Evening News photographer show rats feasting on rubbish along parts of a residential street.
“It makes you feel dirty," Yasmin added.
"My house is clean and tidy, but we woke up at 3am last night after a mouse got into our kitchen and tripped the alarms. We are looking to move, That's how sick and tired we are.
"We’ve put poison down but it’s not enough to clear the rodent infestation, nor is it our job and responsibility.
"The community has been asking for change for years, we feel let down and neglected but still hoping for something to be done. We need CCTV to stop people dumping their rubbish."
The area has been blighted by an increase in fly-tipping over recent years (Manchester Evening News / MEN Media)Another local resident, who asked not to be identified, said: “We’re two streets away from the Curry Mile and within a day of bin collecting our waste is overflowing from people and businesses fly-tipping their rubbish onto our streets.
“That’s what's attracting the rodents, and it’s us that lives with it. The stench is so horrific we can’t leave our windows open anymore.”
Nyla Ali, who also lives in the area, said: "We’ve been fighting a losing battle with the rubbish dumping and the vermin that comes with it. I’ve had to get a cat to keep them away. If you come out onto the road (the rats) will walk beside you."
Another resident, who asked to remain anonymous, said: "The neighbours have tried personally in the past over the years, but don’t feel as though collectively things will change. It's a shame that people have given up caring and decide to live with it."
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Yasmin Rakha is worried about her home and surrounding area being plagued by the creatures (Manchester Evening News)The council, controlled by Labour, insists it has been 'implementing measures and treatments' in the area for the last few months.
A spokesperson for the authority said: "We are aware of ongoing pest issues in and around Rusholme, and we thank residents who have reported problems. Rats are unhygienic and unpleasant for local people and we therefore take pest control very seriously. Our teams have been implementing measures and treatments around the area for the last few months and Rusholme is receiving additional targeted treatment from our teams to help the issue.
"Council officers are working with residents and businesses to continue treating the affected areas and local residents have been offered subsidised rats treatment plans by the council. We'd like to remind residents and local businesses to remain vigilant about their waste and waste removal, as incorrect waste management is one of the factors that can lead to pest problems."
Rats scurry in and out of deep holes near the street (Manchester Evening News / MEN Media)Councillor Lee Ann Igbon, Executive Member for Vibrant Neighbourhoods added: "Our teams are aware of an ongoing flytipping and pest issues in Rusholme. The presence of rats is unhygienic and unpleasant for our residents and our teams are currently working to tackle the infestation in the area.
"Unfortunately, incorrect waste management is a large contributing factor to rodent infestations. It is totally unacceptable for rubbish like this to be dumped in alleyways. Not only is it unhygienic, it is unsightly and unfair on residents who dispose of their waste responsibly.
"I'd like to remind residents and local businesses to remain vigilant about their waste and waste removal. If anyone sees any fly-tipping in the area, please report it immediately to the council on the council website. www.manchester.gov.uk/flytipping."
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