An emergency council task force is to be formed to look at clearing rubbish in places where there is a "public health risk" amid ongoing bin strikes in Edinburgh.
The move by Conservative councillors, supported by the Labour administration, could see staff diverted from other departments for street cleansing and collections, as around 250 refuse workers in the capital continue strike action over a pay dispute.
Seven days on from the start of the walkouts, overflowing bins and large piles of rubbish can be seen around much of the city centre, with the impact also being felt in the city's suburbs. Some have voiced fears of health risks and increased risk of rat infestations, calling for urgent action to be taken.
