A rat infestation has caused chaos for residents after rubbish was fly-tipped on a popular walking path and left there for nearly a year.
Gloucester City Council has apologised for the delay in removing the rubbish which has been there since last summer.
Locals on Saddlers Road, Quedgeley, complained that rats had taken an interest in the rubbish but the council were "doing absolutely nothing about it".
One resident said they consider the fly-tipped rubbish to be a "health risk".
A rat invasion has caused chaos for residents after rubbish was fly-tipped on a popular walking path and left for nearly a year
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"The waste has been there since last summer collecting dog poo, cans of alcohol, fungi and unfortunately there are now rats in the area," one neighbour told Gloucestershire Live.
"I have complained to the council every other week but it feels like they are doing absolutely nothing about it as they just say that it is with the environmental crime [team].
"I think that because this is now attracting rats to the area it needs to be removed as soon as possible, especially as my dog went to pick up a dead one on a walk the other day.
"I first contacted Quedgeley Town Council back in October/November time last year, they have since forwarded me onto Gloucester City Council in January as they said that they were acting as a middle-man in the situation.
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"They were also shocked that nothing has been done after I have complained to the council several times and also called them to ask for updates.
"Environmental crime has been dealing with this since the beginning of February and I was previously advised that if they can’t find any evidence of who dumped it then the waste would be removed regardless.
"The waste is still there and I feel that I am making no progress with what I consider to be a health risk.
"Other people have contacted the council regarding this waste as it is a very common dog walking route."
Locals on Saddlers Road, Quedgeley complained that rats had taken an interest in the rubbish (stock image)
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A spokesperson for Gloucester City Council has now apologised and said they take fly-tipping "very seriously".
They said: "We apologise for the delay in removing this waste. It is now being dealt with as a priority and will be removed as soon as possible.
"We take fly-tipping very seriously – it is a blight on people’s lives which is unacceptable. Our Enviro-crime team responds to any reports of fly-tipping and carries out preventative engagement work to reduce waste-related issues.
"Where problems persist the team issues fixed penalty notices and prosecutions are made if they are not paid. Fly-tipping is a criminal offence punishable by a fine of up to £50,000 or 12 months’ imprisonment if convicted in a Magistrates' Court.
"We will continue to be vigilant and ask residents to report incidents by emailing heretohelp@gloucester.gov.uk."
