PILES of waste, bags of clothes and other rubbish have been dumped in and around an alley – causing an eyesore, and attracting rats.

The mess is thought to have lingered in Powell's Row, in St John's, Worcester for weeks before it was cleared away, while litter has also been piling up on private land nearby and still remains there now.

Residents and businesses say they are fed-up with the problem - believed to be coming from nearby flats - and are calling for action to clean up the area, near Sainsburys.

Worcester City Council says there is a "persistent problem" with fly-tipping in Powell's Row, and it is looking at taking action to tackle the issue.

Jodie Trimm, who lives in Graham Road, in St John's, said bags of rubbish, some ripped apart, were piled in the alley for "a couple of weeks".

"I thought, this is ridiculous now, the bags have been ripped open, I do not want my children going through there," said the mum-of-three.

"St John's is a nice area, it is giving us a bad name. I just think it is absolutely disgusting that they are not clearing up after themselves."

Clive Longstaff, who owns Aquatics and Reptiles, in Swanpool Walk, said a number of vehicles had been left on land next to the alley for months.

"There are two silver cars, one hasn't moved for 10 months, there is all rubbish piled up under one of the cars," he said.

"It is just frustrating. We have seen rats."

Jon Orton, director of First Paige Printers in St John's, believes bigger bins are needed for nearby residents.

He said: "There is a large refuse problem. Food waste is left out, animals have been chewing and opening the rubbish bags.

"The bins are too far from the residents and obviously too small for the amount of refuse required. This has been a problem for some months now.

"It’s not very nice for children, parents and our customers who have to walk past this every day."

A Worcester City Council spokesman said: "There is an issue with persistent fly-tipping in Powells Row and our officers have been making regular visits to take away rubbish being left on the public land.

"We are talking to the owner of the private land where some food waste has also been dumped and our enforcement team are now looking at what further action can be taken."