Birmingham infested by rats due to bin strike

The Daily Mail reports a critical public hygiene situation in Birmingham. Several parts of the city are subject to a severe rat infestation due to an ongoing bin strike. As a result of the strike, garbage has accumulated in huge piles along the streets, representing an easy source of food for flies and vermin. Drews Lane, in Washwood Heath, is one of the worst affected areas, with rats as big as cats jumping in and out of recycling bins. According to residents, the situation is worsened by the nearby building works of the HS2 line, which fill the area with further litter. Rats are seen daily everywhere and even get into cars, chewing electrical wirings and leaving droppings in car bonnets. This is increasingly representing a serious safety and health hazard.
Bin workers said they will continue to strike indefinitely after a row with city authorities over pay cuts. Birmingham City Council admitted that industrial action is causing problems across the city and promised to guarantee at least one weekly bin collection for every household. The council also said it is working to treat the rat infestation, charging £24 for vermin control visits. However, people unable or unwilling to pay the fee can use anti-rat products available in shops and online. Meanwhile, HS2 said that its Washwood Heath site is well maintained by their contractor, Balfour Beatty VINCI, with strict waste management processes and robust dust suppression. Site inspections are held weekly to check the situation. Some members of the team have also helped residents to clear rubbish and carry out litter in the area.