CONCERNS have been raised over rubbish being dumped in an alley behind two residential streets in Bishop Auckland.

David Farms, who lives in South View, off Cockton Hill Road, said a combination of black bin bags and other unwanted items seem to appear after refuse collectors have been to empty the wheelie bins.

This means the rubbish is left up to two weeks before Durham County Council’s refuse collectors take it away as part of their rounds.

However, in the meantime, Mr Farms said he is left clearing the rubbish to the side of the alley, which serves South View and Blackett Street, on a regular basis so cars can get through.

“It seems to happen every Tuesday after the bin men have been,” said 66-year-old Mr Farms. “All sorts of things seem to be dumped in the street and I don’t know where it comes from.

“The bin men are pretty good about clearing it up as they don’t have to. The problem is they come early in the morning and the rubbish doesn’t appear until afterwards so we have to wait two weeks for them to do it.

“I clear it up to a certain extent as we can’t get cars through but dogs do start getting at it and make a mess.”

The most recent spate of fly-tipping included a number of black bin bags, supermarket bags and an old quilt.

Mr Farms added: “We need to stop it happening. I wonder whether we can have CCTV covering the area.”

Ian Hoult, neighbourhood protection manager at Durham County Council, said: “We have had no reports but we will certainly investigate any concerns residents may have and see what can be done.”

To report fly tipping, visit durham.gov.uk or call 03000-261000.