Illegal dumping causes stink in Glenwood

RUBBISH left to pile up on the pavement in McDonald Avenue has become a concern for neighbouring residents who expressed their shock at the ever-growing pile caused by people dumping illegally.

Local resident, Mario George explained that the issue of dumping was an ongoing one. He said there had been a short space where the dumping had stopped, but illegal dumping had started up again leaving the road in a mess.

“I have cleaned up outside my property numerous times. Bags are thrown on the pavement sealed, but they lie for a few days and vagrants dig through them and leave the litter strewn on the pavement. DSW won’t pick up litter which is not sealed in bags. They also won’t pick up the orange bags, which are meant for recycling, so I can’t blame DSW as this is not their job,” he said.

George said he was concerned by the amount of bacteria and viruses which could be breeding in the stinking pile of rubbish. Broken bottles lying on the pavement were also a danger to children, he said.

“Children play in the road and could be cut by the glass. Children are naturally curious, if they try investigate by going through the rubbish it could pose a health hazard,” he said.

He said there was also a lot of human faeces lying on the pavement, which smelt terribly.

“I can smell the human faeces in the morning. At night I walk down the road and chase people from the road. These problems are really negative for Glenwood, as investors are losing interest in the area,” he said.

He said he felt change could start by people cleaning up their own roads.

“If someone must do something, it comes down to me! I encourage other residents to help by cleaning up their roads, it could make a huge difference,” said George.

Ward councillor Nicole Graham said the issue needed to be referred to the illegal dumping team.

“The normal collection team does not collect rubbish placed in bags incorrectly,” she said.