Frustrated residents at a block of Ipswich flats have raised concerns over their rubbish bins not being emptied and are calling for action.

Ipswich Star: Bins at the flats in Wherstead Road Picture: CHARLOTTE BONDBins at the flats in Wherstead Road Picture: CHARLOTTE BOND (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Residents at the flats on Wherstead Road say their bins are often not emptied and are being left for weeks at a time, causing them to overflow.

A woman living at the flats, who did not want to be named, said she has seen a rat by the bins and claims rubbish and old items are being dumped by non-residents.

She said: “We’re all getting tired of it, they’re not emptying the bins. I can’t bear it, especially in this heat.

“They’re not taking it [the rubbish] because it’s overflowing. Someone needs to come down and move the whole lot and start again. It’s ridiculous.

Ipswich Star: Bins at the flats in Wherstead Road Picture: CHARLOTTE BONDBins at the flats in Wherstead Road Picture: CHARLOTTE BOND (Image: Charlotte Bond)

“Other people dump stuff there and then the bins don’t get taken.”

Ipswich Borough Council (IBC) said management of the bin stores lies with property firm Sanctuary Housing, but added that it is not always possible for its waste collectors to empty bins at the site.

A spokeswoman for the authority said: “The responsibility for the management of the flat communal areas, gardens and bin stores sits with Sanctuary Housing, the private property management firm. It is our understanding that the tenants pay a fee for this service.

“IBC are responsible for emptying the bins if presented in a safe and accessible way, free from contamination. At this site, this is often not the case and as a result we cannot always empty the bins on their scheduled collection day. Each time this occurs we inform Sanctuary Housing.”

Sanctuary Housing said it was considering various options at the site, including an enclosed bin store, and urged residents to report any fly-tipping which is taking place.

A spokesman for Sanctuary said: “We are liaising with the local council about this issue and are considering various options including moving the bin stores to create an enclosed space that non-residents would be unable to access.

“We would continue to encourage all residents to ensure they use the right bins for their waste to help with collection and would also remind them to contact the local council and their housing officer if they have any specific information about individuals fly tipping at their bin stores. Where evidence is provided, we will not hesitate to take the appropriate action – which could include prosecution - against those responsible.”