A rubbish way to be treated...

Vandals set fire to rubbish on Eldon Street estate.

MINDLESS fly-tipping and vandalism on the Eldon Street Estate has left residents at the end of their tether.

Piles of rubbish left at the entrance to Stott House and Purdy House were set alight and an abandoned TV was set on fire outside Wimpenny House on Monday.

The after-effects of the blaze left householders struggling to get out of the front door.

One resident, who did not want to be named, said: “There is always litter strewn around the doorways — it doesn’t take long for it to pile up.

“It was only a matter of time before something like this happened. Something needs to be done.”

Councillor Mark Alcock, Oldham Council’s Cabinet member for environment and infrastructure, said: “Rubbish and waste fly-tipped by the public can often be a magnet for arsonists and — as this incident shows — can potentially endanger lives.

“We have excellent systems in place to allow residents to get rid of their waste safely and free of charge.

“As an authority, we actively encourage all Oldham residents to help us tackle these problems.

”The removal of fly-tipping across council departments and First Choice Homes Oldham costs us in the region of £2million a year — money that would be far better used on frontline services.

Pictures

“I would urge anyone who spots fly-tipping anywhere in the borough to report it to us by calling 0161-770 6644.

“Whether that is graffiti, an abandoned vehicle or a pile of rubbish, let us know exactly where it is and we’ll do our best to sort it out.”

Residents can also send pictures to www.tidyoldham.co.uk.