Bin strike leaves heatwave stench

Sophie McDonnell
BBC News Online

Residents have had to store rubbish under the stairs

A backlog of rubbish has piled up in Leeds streets as refuse workers went on strike for a third time.

In some areas rubbish has lined the streets for three weeks and in the warm weather it is starting to smell.

Some residents in the Headingley area of Leeds have not had their rubbish collected since 16 April.

Paul Harris lives with five others and has been forced to store refuse inside the house.

Mr Harris, 20, of Estcourt Terrace, said: "There is too much rubbish to put out on the street, it is causing access problems for pavements and roads.

"We have been forced to store it under the stairs and in the hall as the bins are full outside."

"It is not very pleasant living in a house full of rubbish, as it starts to stink, especially in this weather."

'Action to multiply'

Temperatures in Leeds have been well above average for the time of year.

In the shade, the temperature was recorded at 22C, higher than the seasonal average of 14C.

A council spokesperson said city officials were aiming to have all the backlog cleared by Sunday, with services resuming as normal on the following morning.

The strikes relate to a pay and grading review being carried out by all local authorities in response to a national requirement to evaluate all jobs to ensure people are paid fairly.

The GMB union wants pay for women workers increased to match their male counterparts, but claims the council's offer would actually mean men's pay falling to the same level as their female colleagues.

GMB regional organiser Bill Chard said: "This action will not only continue, in fact it will multiply."

Councillor Steve Smith, who is responsible for refuse collection, apologised for ongoing disruption to bin collections.

He said: "The GMB is deliberately making life difficult for us and residents by continuing its industrial action and work to rule."