‘Rats worry could drive us away’

FLY-TIPPING is rife in Hathershaw, with the problem escalating so much that one resident is ready to leave her home of 10 years.

Maria Houghton lives in Alton Street and says that the problem has become so bad that she cannot let her children play outside for fear of them coming into contact with rats.

The alleyways between Alton Street, Denbigh Street and Ethel Street are clogged with rubbish and Mrs Houghton has said the council is not acting quickly enough.

She said: “It’s got terrible now, children can’t play out because of the rubbish. I don’t want my kids playing with rats.

“We’re looking at moving away from the area and the rubbish problem is one of the contributory factors.

“It feels like we are fighting a losing battle, the council has been out, but the action taken is happening too slowly.

“We reported this to the council once and nothing happened for five days, then when the council came out to look at it we were told we’d have to wait another five days for it to be sorted out.”

However, Councillor Jean Stretton, cabinet member for co-operatives and neighbourhoods said the problem areas have been cleared within the authority’s stated response period.

She said: “Officers visited the area within 10 working days, the set council time frame due to the number of calls we receive of this nature.

“Officers found the waste was in an alleyway that was locked with gates so they were unable to remove it. They have since returned and removed most of the rubbish.”

Councillor Stretton said: “There is always a small minority who continue to act irresponsibly.”

To report fly-tipping call 0161-770 6644 or visit www.oldham.gov.uk