Maggots found crawling among left bin bags

Maggots have been found crawling among bin bags that have been left on a Birmingham roadside since strike action began more than three weeks ago.

The pile of at least 20 bags has been left waiting for collection in Cherrywood Road in Small Heath, since the city’s binmen began their industrial action on June 30.

This weekend, the council started using agency labour and contractors to clear the backlog of bags and overstuffed wheelie bins, lining the road.

But with binmen taking two hours strike action a day, as well as working to rule and refusing overtime, city bosses have admitted it will take more than a single weekend to catch up.

While maggots, especially in such large numbers, may look disgusting there is no evidence of them causing health problems.

Nearby Warwick District Council helpfully offers advice on dealing with maggot infestations in and around rotting rubbish - including fly-spray, boiling water mixed with a small amount of bleach poured over.

There are also likely to be further delays as the union involved in the dispute Unite has announced industrial action will be stepped up to three hours strike per day from Friday, July 28 and continue until September 1 unless agreement is reached.

The dispute is over a range of issues, including the downgrading of 113 jobs, overhaul of work patterns and higher productivity targets. The council wants to cut its overtime and agency staff bills.

Talks between the union and the city council are continuing, but so far have failed to make a breakthrough.