FURIOUS residents say they were unable to open their windows because of a "horrendous" smell coming from piles of uncollected rubbish.

Tenants living in flats above a former nightlife hotspot in High Street, Colchester, have hit-out at Colchester Council's refuse collectors.

On some occasions, they say it can be as long as three weeks before any of their waste is picked-up, resulting in mountains of festering waste.

In a shocking photo sent to the Gazette, in excess of 25 black bags can be seen spilling out of the flats' external bin storage zone, as well as stacks of cardboard.

Gazette:

One tenant, known only as Beth, said the overflowing bins have been a problem since she moved in last June.

She says she has raised her concerns with Colchester Council multiple times, but to no avail.

She said: "The council has done absolutely nothing, so it has come to me contacting the Gazette - what else can I do?

"In the summer I couldn't open my windows because the smell was absolutely horrendous and I am pretty sure I've seen a rat wandering around.

"I have even witnessed my neighbours going out there to clean up and one person even paid for a van to pick up a load of rubbish.

"This shouldn’t be happening and I am begging that something gets done about this. I am sure I am not the only one in this block of flats who is sick of this happening."

Bosses at Colchester Council have now said they have been prevented on several occasions in recent months from emptying the bins due to fly-tipping.

Gazette:

A spokesman said: "This has been causing problems for residents and our collection crews and has been raised with the management company, Red Rock.

"They are responsible for clearing any fly-tips or side waste. Until access to the bins is restored, they cannot be emptied by our crews.

“If the matter hasn’t already been resolved, will seek advice from the council’s environmental protection team with a view to further action being taken.”

Bosses at Red Rock Estate and Property Management, however, have now hit back at the council.

A spokesman said: "The crews regularly miss the collection of rubbish because either they cannot access the bin store because of parked cars or they simply miss the collection altogether, this has been reported several times. 

"As a result, we have had to arrange for a private contractor to carry out this work that should be carried out by Colchester Council.

"It is interesting to note the resident does not highlight this issue is being caused by us and highlights the council's failure to carry out their contracted responsibility."