AN alleyway near a school has been completely blocked by piles of dangerous fly-tipped rubbish as a councillor brands the issue a public health concern and calls for urgent action.
The alleyway on Carter's Close, off Goldsmith Road in Worcester near Regency High School is almost impassable because of all the rubbish dumped there from mouldy mattresses to shards of broken glass.
Cllr James Stanley said he wanted a collaborative solution to fly-tipping 'without finger pointing' after speaking of his shock when he saw the mess for the first time after responding to concerns raised by residents.
The mess includes broken glass, shoes, mattresses, video game controllers, a mouse for a computer, soggy cardboard boxes, bags, cans, bottles, clothes and pieces of wood.
One resident, who did not want to be named, said her 10-year-old son used a wheelchair but with the rubbish piled up they could not get out of the back.
Meanwhile, she said people connected to the school often parked in front of her house, making access from Goldsmith Road difficult.
Another concern is that the rubbish could become a fire risk or block escape in the event of a fire.
"It's annoying but I get fed up of ringing about it all the time because it makes me feel like a nuisance," she said.
Labour city councillor Jill Desayrah has also flagged up fly-tipping in the area and previously called for a more joined up approach to the problem, helping bring mobile tips to Warndon.
Cllr Stanley, who was contacted by residents, believes a solution can be found if Platform Housing, Worcester City Council and Worcestershire County Council work together to address the problem.
"This is becoming a real source of frustration and anger. My reaction upon seeing it was shock - that's not too strong a word. There are mattresses and all sorts of other detritus. It's just not acceptable.
"People do have a right to live in a clean and safe environment. Everyone in the area is trying to work constructively with the city council and Platform Housing.
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We want to create a positive relationship. We just need to join it up. Nobody wants to be finger-pointing. It is a public health hazard.
"Ultimately, there are a number of families living in this area who have a number of children. These people matter. They are part of the community. It just needs clearing as soon as possible.
"I would not want my kids playing in an area like that - and I wouldn't want anyone else's to play there either."
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