Residents' fury at 30ft 'third world slum' rubbish mountain which looms over street

A huge pile of rubbish that has grown so high that it looms over nearby properties has infuriated residents.

Homeowners say the eyesore has left their housing estate in Willenhall in Walsall, West Midlands, looking like a "third world slum" after the site became a dumping ground two years ago.

The towering pile of waste has now grown higher than nearby trees and houses and stands at 32 feet (10 metres) high.

Shocking pictures show stacks of household rubbish including bin liners, mattresses, wooden pallets and scrap metal in full view of neighbouring properties.

Homeowners say the eyesore has left their housing estate in Willenhall, West Mids., looking like a 'third world slum'. (SWNS)
Homeowners say the eyesore has left their housing estate in Willenhall looking like a 'third world slum'. (SWNS) (SWNS)

Neighbours are now calling for action to be taken amid fears for their health and concerns the rat-infested mound is a fire risk.

Firefighters previously spent hours tackling a blaze at the site on the Arrow Industrial Estate when the rubbish broke out in flames last April.

Mum-of-two Gina Howells, 33, who lives nearby, said: "It's not only a massive eyesore but a health and fire risk as well.

"It absolutely stinks and we've seen rats running about. I'm worried for the health of my children and don't understand how it has been allowed to grow this big.

Stacks of household rubbish including bin liners, mattresses, wooden pallets and scrap metal are visible. (SWNS)
Stacks of household rubbish including bin liners, mattresses, wooden pallets and scrap metal are visible. (SWNS) (SWNS)

"Surely somebody is responsible for it it but the council and Environment Agency haven't done anything about it so far.

"It's left our area looking like a third world slum. There's already been one fire, what if it happens again and spreads to our homes?"

Another resident, dad-of-one Lewy Watton, 30, added: “The last time it went up in flames I went out on to my balcony and it was red hot, so I’m quite close, probably 20 metres away.

Lewy Watton lives just by the huge rubbish mountain. (SWNS)
Lewy Watton lives just by the huge rubbish mountain. (SWNS) (SWNS)

"If it goes up in flames again it could be an issue because it’s even bigger now and the heat that came off it last time was ridiculous.

“It smells all the time and it's an eyesore, it’s quite bad and not very nice to look at.”

Crane company Wolverhampton Lifting is the occupier of the site where the waste has been stored and says it is trying to rectify the issue.

Director Steven Cookson said: "I have faced the issue and although the problem is not mine we are trying to rectify it.

The towering pile of waste has now grown higher than nearby trees and houses. (SWNS)
The towering pile of waste has now grown higher than nearby trees and houses. (SWNS) (SWNS)

"I have told the Environment Agency I will sort the problem if they will help me."

An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “We are aware of waste being stored at a site next to the Alvar Business Park in Willenhall.

Firefighters previously spent hours tackling a blaze at the site. (SWNS)
Firefighters previously spent hours tackling a blaze at the site. (SWNS) (SWNS)

“We’re currently investigating the activities at this site.”

Yahoo News UK has contacted Walsall Council for a comment.

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