Householders in Rusholme have described 'fighting a losing battle' with vermin after the M.E.N revealed a disturbing video of rats scuttling amongst rubbish lining the alleyways and streets.
Manchester council says it is working to tackle an 'infestation' in the area, where alleyways between terraced streets have been used by fly-tippers.
Resident Yasmin Rakha, 40, was unsurprised when shown the footage of rats. “I've been told I'm overreacting but this is our reality," she said. "We’re being known for the ‘rodent-infested’ street because of other people dumping their waste.
“We’ve tried to fight this issue in the past to no outcome. Neighbours don’t feel as though things will change,” the resident of 13 years told the Manchester Evening News. “It’s embarrassing to live here - the video speaks for itself.”
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The images, captured by an M.E.N photographer, show rodents feasting on rubbish along parts of Rusholme Grove, off Wilmslow Road. It's one of a number of streets lying off the west side of Wilmslow Road where dumped waste has attracted vermin.
“It makes you feel dirty," Yasmin added. "My house is clean and tidy, but we woke up at 3am last night after a mouse got into our kitchen and tripped the alarms. We are looking to move, That's how sick and tired we are."
Another local resident, who asked not to be identified, said: “We’re two streets away from the Curry Mile and within a day of bin collecting our waste is overflowing from people and businesses fly-tipping their rubbish onto our streets.
“That’s what's attracting the rodents, and it’s us that lives with it. The stench is so horrific we can’t leave our windows open anymore.”
The council says it's aware of the problem and has been 'implementing measures and treatments' in the area for the last few months. But residents told the M.E.N they were unhappy with the pace of change.
“We’ve put poison down but it’s not enough to clear the rodent infestation, nor is it our job and responsibility," Yasmin added.
"The community has been asking for change for years, we feel let down and neglected but still hoping for something to be done. We need CCTV to stop people dumping their rubbish.”
Meanwhile, neighbour, Nyla Ali said: “We’ve been fighting a losing battle with the rubbish dumping and the vermin that comes with it. I’ve had to get a cat to keep them away. If you come out onto the road (the rats) will walk beside you."
Another resident, who asked to remain anonymous, said: "The neighbours have tried personally in the past over the years, but don’t feel as though collectively things will change. It's a shame that people have given up caring and decide to live with it."
What the council says:
"We are aware of ongoing pest issues in and around Rusholme, and we thank residents who have reported problems. Rats are unhygienic and unpleasant for local people and we therefore take pest control very seriously. Our teams have been implementing measures and treatments around the area for the last few months and Rusholme is receiving additional targeted treatment from our teams to help the issue.
"Council officers are working with residents and businesses to continue treating the affected areas and local residents have been offered subsidised rats treatment plans by the council. We'd like to remind residents and local businesses to remain vigilant about their waste and waste removal, as incorrect waste management is one of the factors that can lead to pest problems."
Councillor Lee Ann Igbon, Executive Member for Vibrant Neighbourhoods added: "Our teams are aware of an ongoing flytipping and pest issues in Rusholme. The presence of rats is unhygienic and unpleasant for our residents and our teams are currently working to tackle the infestation in the area.
"Unfortunately, incorrect waste management is a large contributing factor to rodent infestations. It is totally unacceptable for rubbish like this to be dumped in alleyways. Not only is it unhygienic, it is unsightly and unfair on residents who dispose of their waste responsibly.
"I'd like to remind residents and local businesses to remain vigilant about their waste and waste removal. If anyone sees any fly-tipping in the area, please report it immediately to the council on the council website. www.manchester.gov.uk/flytipping."
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