A SUPERMARKET giant in Worcester is being warned to clean up its act - with a city politician saying the surroundings are becoming a “dumping ground” for rubbish.

Councillor Richard Boorn says Lidl, in Newtown Road, is costing taxpayers money by not doing enough litter picks around its grounds.

The problem is especially acute along an alleyway that runs along the side of the retailer, where waste like crisp packets and food packaging is often seen swirling down it.

Coun Boorn, who represents the area on the city council, says nearby residents keep on contacting him about the amount of rubbish nearby.

“The alleyway that runs down the side has increasingly become a dumping ground for products bought from Lidl,” he said.

“It’s recently been completely cleared up, but at Worcester City Council’s and taxpayers expense.

“To be frank I am appalled that they are prepared to let the council do this work and clean up when the rubbish is coming from their store.

“It’s not acceptable and they need to start listening to the council and the local community about it.”

The store says it has been doing “voluntary” litter picks around the grounds to ease the situation, which includes the public pathway.

A spokesman said: “Although the council is responsible for the maintenance of the public pathway, which includes litter control, we have been voluntarily litter picking at the entrance to the pathway since it's possible that some of our customers may contribute to the litter.

“As part of the local community, we recognise the need to keep our neighbourhood clean and tidy, so have been making an extra effort to go beyond our store premises to help alleviate the issue.

“The council is cleaning up the public pathway but, as a member of the community, we will continue to monitor the situation and make additional efforts as necessary.”