RESIDENTS have described how a “gut-wrenching” smell and rat infestation from two years of fly-tipping near their homes has affected their daily lives.

Neighbours first reported an instance of fly-tipping on the snicket behind Burberry Close, just off Ferrand Avenue, in Bierley, two years ago.

They say staff from Bradford Council and its environmental health teams have visited on a number of occasions, often admitting their shock at the mess but failing to arrange for it to be cleaned up.

One of the residents on the street, Leann, told the Telegraph & Argus: “You can smell it. The amount of flies. In nice weather we can’t sit out and have a BBQ. It’s not safe for the kids as you don’t know when the rats are going to come out.

“It’s really disheartening. It does get us down because I own my house and Katie rents hers and she does see it as her’s. We keep up with cleaning, keeping the gardens tidy but you’re still faced with the problems over the back.”

Describing the smell, she said: “It’s just vile. It’s like sitting in a bin that’s been sat outside in the sun. It’s gut-wrenching.”

Mum-of-two Katie, who has lived on the street for five years, said: “The fly tipping has affected mine and my children’s life beyond belief, living with the sight and smell every day and worrying about my children in the garden is a nightmare.

“I don’t feel happy in my own home anymore. I spend my weekends off work disinfecting all the garden just so my two-year-old can play out safely. Not to mention the fly tipping on fire - we are having to ring emergency services all the time to come out.”

The pathway blighted by fly tipping is classed as land belonging to Bradford Council, the authority confirmed.

"It would be nice to get some kind of ball rolling,", the neighbours said.

In response to the article, a spokesperson for Bradford Council said: “Fly-tipping is a national problem which has been increasing for many years.

“If incidents of fly-tipping are reported to Bradford Council they will be dealt with expeditiously and appropriately.

“We will investigate all incidents of fly-tipping to try to identify the criminals responsible for dumping it. Bradford Council employs a range of measures to tackle illegal fly-tipping, including CCTV cameras to catch the culprits and seizing vehicles known to be involved.

“We have the power to issue Fixed Penalty Notices to, or prosecute through Magistrates’ and Crown courts fly-tippers and householders who allow their goods to be fly-tipped by rogue traders.

“If rubbish is dumped on Bradford Council land we will clear it up as soon as we can. Bradford Council is not responsible for removing rubbish from private land but we will advise the landowner how to get rid of it and suggest ways to prevent a repeat.

“We also have the power to compel the landowner to remove fly-tipped rubbish.

“If you see fly-tipping taking place, please note down as many details as possible, including vehicle licence plate numbers and inform the Council.”