Six months on: Birmingham’s bin strike leaves streets looking ‘atrocious’

Six months into Birmingham’s unprecedented bin strike, residents are still struggling with the build up of waste in their streets.

Recently released images depict the city’s streets overwhelmed with “apocalyptic” amounts of rubbish. The pictures show mounds of bags on streets, as well as the animals they attract.

Overflowing bins, discarded mattresses, and piles of waste clog pavements, emitting foul odours and attracting giant rats dubbed the “Squeaky Blinders.”

As the strike reaches the half-a-year mark, residents have expressed frustration and neglect, with many feeling forgotten as negotiations between Unite and Birmingham City Council remain stalled.

via SWNS

Local residents have openly criticised the situation. Student Bethany Campbell commented on the prolonged delay, accusing decision-makers of being out of touch. “We just can’t believe it’s still going on, what is taking so long? The place stinks, it looks atrocious,” she said.

Similarly, Danny Carter highlighted the impact on Birmingham’s reputation, especially with recent events drawing international visitors.

“It is completely unacceptable this has been allowed to go on for so long,” he said. “We had thousands of visitors from across the globe over the weekend for the Sabbath concert and this isn’t how we want people to remember our city.”

Politicians have also spoken out in dismay with Lib Dem councillor Izzy Knowles saying: “The recycling is totally full up. It’s getting contaminated. Some don’t have cars, even if they go to the tip they’re not allowed in as pedestrians.”

Community leaders have also pointed out worsening conditions, such as contaminated recycling in Moseley due to limited facilities.

via SWNS

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However, Unite’s Sharon Graham has vowed to remain relentless in fighting for a fair deal, criticising council leadership: “John Cotton needs to stop hiding from the biggest issue facing his council – the bin strikes. The scale of the cuts being proposed by the council are indefensible.

“Unite will be relentless in the fightback.”

Despite the complaints, Birmingham City Council has emphasised that it is making efforts to clear the backlog and defend ongoing service reforms, with a spokesperson saying: “Since the injunction was ratified we have been able to deploy all our available fleet, meaning we have cleared the backlog and are able to implement our contingency plan.

“Residents of Birmingham want and deserve a better waste collection service, and the restructure that Unite is opposing is part of the much-needed transformation of the service.”

In response to the residents’ dismay, a council spokesperson further said: “The council recognises the significant impact that industrial action has had on the people and communities of Birmingham and thanks every resident for their continued patience under difficult circumstances.”