THE owner of the site where a large pile of rubbish was dumped has said he wants to work with the local authority to prevent it happening in the future.

The Worcester News reported earlier this week that rubbish was spilling out of a large wheelie bin and dumped around it, outside the Farmer’s Boy pub in Tolladine Road. The paper first reported on problems in the area in 2015.

Mohammed Altaf has paid for subcontractors to clear the site, and putting the items - which included two mattresses, various bags, bedding, a Christmas tree, a children's play mat, a karaoke machine and rubble, into the skip.

Worcester City Council's street cleaning team has also been out to the area, clearing items that went into the footpath and blew out to the grass verge of Lygon Walk next to the pub.

Mr Altaf said he was upset to see the mess, which he says is having a negative effect on the area and the businesses operating from the premises. He said he would be taking steps with all agencies involved to come up with a "joined up plan and solution".

"This is another example of how the local area seems to be slipping and something needs to be done," he said.

"It is time someone stood up for the area and addressed its problems so that a sense of pride and community is brought back. I'll clear this rubbish myself and then work on a more long term answer."

The story gained a big reaction on the Worcester News website, and social media pages.

Ben Clewer said: "Unbelievable but it’s not really these days is it. Sad but believable."

Another comment read: "Pity those who live in the area are happy to turn it into a dump."

Charlotte Tothill added: "Still happening - what an absolute joke."

A Worcester City Council spokesman said: "Everyone can help keep Worcester clean and tidy. If you need to get rid of large items like a mattress or a fridge use our bulky refuse collection service – just head to Worcester.gov.uk/request-it. If you spot any illegal fly-tipping, please tell us at Worcester.gov.uk/report-it.”