UNEMPITED bins have resulted in mountains of rubbish and rats outside of a block of flats in Warrington.

Communal bins at Kingsway House in Latchford were not emptied by Warrington Borough Council last week.

Pictures taken by residents show both general waste and recycling bins overflowing, with piles of rubbish in the middle of them.

Those living in the block of flats say the rubbish is attracting rats, and other animals such as cats and foxes have also been spotted rummaging.

Residents also say that the bin chutes inside the building, which is owned by Torus, were blocked as a result.

A spokesperson for Torus has confirmed that the bins have now been emptied due to them arranging additional waste collections.

They said: “We are working with Warrington Borough Council and tenants to improve waste management and recycling efforts. 

“The waste management system at Kingsway House is designed to support increased recycling and we understand that low recycling rates can lead to challenges such as overflowing bins and potential contamination.

“These issues can affect collection services under the council’s waste management policy.

“The health and safety of our tenants is important to us. We have arranged for some additional waste collections, and can confirm the site has now been cleared, and measures are in place to treat the area for any infestations.”

One resident who has lived in the building for 15 years said that he believes the issues, mainly the bin chute being blocked, is due to the site no longer having a caretaker, despite service charges increasing.

He said that although cleaners are sent for a few hours a day, this does not deal with general issues within the building, such as when the bin chutes block up.

A spokesperson for Torus added: “We also have a daily caretaking and cleaning service in place to maintain cleanliness and hygiene standards. 

“We will continue to work with residents to encourage recycling, use the waste disposal options available to dispose of bulky items in a responsible way and remind everyone that fly-tipping and leaving bulky items in the bin area are not allowed.” 

Warrington Borough Council has been contacted for comment.