Prøve GULL - Gratis

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

The Independent

|

April 25, 2025

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

- REBECCA WHITTAKER

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

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.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA The Independent

The Independent

The Independent

WINDOW SHOPPING

Samuel Mathewson on the top men's advent calendars

time to read

4 mins

October 09, 2025

The Independent

The Independent

Badenoch ready for a scrap to free up housing market

Kemi Badenoch has vowed to abolish stamp duty if the Conservatives win the next election, as she unveiled a raft of tax cuts in a bid to claw back voters and boost the party's ratings.

time to read

4 mins

October 09, 2025

The Independent

The Independent

Man who blew £1.5m on football wagers sues Betfair

A multimillionaire “problem gambler” who blew nearly £1.5m on football wagers is suing Betfair for his money back in a landmark case, claiming it was under a duty to protect him from himself.

time to read

5 mins

October 09, 2025

The Independent

The Independent

Why collapse of China spy case led to a political row

A major prosecution against two British men accused of spying for China has collapsed in a heap of ignominy and recrimination.

time to read

2 mins

October 09, 2025

The Independent

The Independent

ON THIS DAY

1888: The 555ft white marble Washington Monument, designed by Robert Mills, was opened.

time to read

1 min

October 09, 2025

The Independent

The Independent

Will the entry-exit system deter holidays to the EU?

Q Do you think the new entry-exit system will put people off holidays in the EU? If it does, where will they go?

time to read

1 mins

October 09, 2025

The Independent

The Independent

Keep my beloved hometown out of your mouth, Fenrick

Birmingham looks quite nice now that it's finished.

time to read

3 mins

October 09, 2025

The Independent

The Independent

Root hits back over poor Ashes record down under

Joe Root believes England are ready to end their decade-long Ashes drought and “bring the urn home”, insisting his own quest for a century in Australia is a side issue.

time to read

3 mins

October 09, 2025

The Independent

The Independent

Dominoes falling into place over infamous City charges

A decision is finally expected soon in the Manchester City case, writes Miguel Delaney, with the recent settlement in the APT case possibly foreshadowing the end of the saga

time to read

4 mins

October 09, 2025

The Independent

The Independent

Weakness of diplomacy does not work with Xi Jinping

Is China an enemy? To judge by the level of competence displayed in the Westminster espionage case, nobody is qualified to say.

time to read

4 mins

October 09, 2025

Listen

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size