Birmingham bin strike leads.to fears of rat-borne disease

Rats the size of dachshunds” are terrifying residents in Birmingham as the seven-week-long bin strike continues.

- REBECCA WHITTAKER

Rubbish has been mounting on the streets since 11 March due to a dispute between Unite the Union and the local council over the pay and job security of some refuse workers.

Towering piles of black bags have not only resulted in a permeating stench, but huge rats scurrying through waste have also prompted fears that it could result in a surge of rodentborne diseases.

Shadow chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Alex Burghart told MPs: “Rats the size of dachshunds are terrifying the local residents.”

Referring to an article in The Daily Telegraph, he added Birmingham City Council has “warned of a possible surge of ratborne diseases” to which the elderly, disabled people and babies are particularly susceptible.