A KIDDERMINSTER couple claim rubbish not collected from outside their home is becoming a health hazard in hot weather.

Julie Lavelle and her husband, Derek, 60, who live in a block of flats in Plane Tree Close, said although council binmen were removing the residents' rubbish once a fortnight, only the wheelie bins were being emptied and any extra black bags were being left behind.

Mrs Lavelle explained: "Up until now, it has just been a mess and a nuisance but in this heat it has just been horrendous. We are going to have rats.

"It is really a health hazard in this weather. There are flies around it and it smells. I can sit in my bedroom and I can smell the rubbish."

She added: "We have been told we should take it to the tip ourselves. I don't pay council tax to clear other people's rubbish."

Until last week, there was one large wheelie bin and two small bins for 60 people as well as a recycling box, per household, for paper products.

Residents were provided with another large wheelie bin last Wednesday but Mrs Lavelle felt the council should be doing more.

She added: "It is still not enough. It is just going to pile up again. It is a vicious cycle."

Andrew Dickens, head of cultural, leisure and commercial services at Wyre Forest District Council, said: "A couple of residents in Plane Tree Close have contacted the council about their concerns over excess waste not being collected. We have assessed their position and arranged for a third commercial waste bin to be delivered this week.

"The council is working to reduce the amount of waste each person produces.

"The kerbside recycling scheme is available in the area and, with the help of Wyre Community Housing who own the flats, we are encouraging residents in Plane Tree Close to make greater use of the recycling facilities," he added.