Residents of Eva Road in Winson Green, Birmingham, are appealing for urgent action to tackle continuous fly-tipping and the resulting rat infestation that is impacting their daily lives. The problem centres on a walkway adjacent to several homes, where rubbish is frequently dumped, obstructing access and creating an unhygienic environment.
Chelsea Gardner, a mother of three living in one of the affected end terraces, described the situation as relentless. She recounted having to kick away bags of rubbish piled up against her front door just to leave her home safely. “It’s non-stop, it’s the local dumping ground,” Ms Gardner said, highlighting how the waste accumulation not only causes inconvenience but also affects her family’s well-being. Her eldest child, who is on the autism spectrum, has experienced a decline in mental health due to the stress caused by the situation.
Ms Gardner also reported sightings of rats in her back garden, with her children attempting to scare them away. Despite reporting the fly-tipping, she remarked that no professional intervention has adequately addressed the root problem: “Action is needed to sort it. No professional has been out and sorted the problem out.”
Similarly, resident Blair Hughes expressed frustration and described the rats as aggressive, likening them to “Rambo rats” that attack cats. He explained that the rubbish often blows towards nearby houses and called for coordinated efforts between the housing association and the council to resolve the issue.
The area in question is on unadopted land, leading to confusion and delays in responsibility between Birmingham City Council and the housing association Midland Heart. A Midland Heart spokesperson acknowledged the frustration felt by residents and confirmed regular visits by their rangers to clear dumped rubbish, despite the land not being their property. They emphasised the need for a long-term solution and continued collaboration with the council and other stakeholders.
Council Cabinet Member for City Operations and Digital, Cllr Harris Khaliq, recognised the unacceptable conditions and reaffirmed the council’s commitment to tackling environmental crime such as fly-tipping. Since May, the administration has prioritised street cleanliness and increased investment by £1.1 million to expand enforcement teams and CCTV coverage. Cllr Khaliq stressed that while improvements cannot happen overnight, efforts will continue to prosecute offenders and enhance community pride.
Deputy leader of the council’s Labour group, Coun Shuranjeet Singh, has actively engaged with residents and Midland Heart to seek solutions. He condemned the conditions residents are forced to endure and affirmed his dedication to ensuring fly-tippers are held accountable.
Residents remain hopeful that coordinated action between the council, housing association, and community will bring a permanent end to the fly-tipping and rat problems blighting Eva Road, restoring safety and cleanliness to the neighbourhood.