BUSINESS owners in New Brighton are calling on the council to tackle what they fear is a growing problem of fly-tipping.

More than 30 bags are currently dumped, along with a television and empty gas canister, in an alleyway at the top of Waterloo Road and Victoria Road.

It backs on to businesses who fear the problem is out of control.

Among them is greengrocer Ian Forber, who said the council knew about the problem months ago and has so far done nothing about it.

He told the Globe: "This has been going on for months now and it has to stop. It is a health and safety issue and will attract vermin to the properties on Victoria Road and Waterloo Road.

"Bags have split and their contents have spilled out onto the floor. It's a real mess.

"Rubbish breeds rubbish and I'm very worried that if these bags aren't taken away soon, and the dumping continues, the problem will only get worse.

"I've had this fruit and vegetable store for 35 years and the dumping problem has never been this bad.

"All I want is for the council to come along and clear it up. I'm just worried about a rat infestation, because there is a lot fast food boxes and wine bottles in the bags."

Another shop owner, who asked to remain anonymous, said: "The bags are piled up right outside the back of the shop's back yard gate, which makes it difficult to get out.

"We actually got rid of a lot of bags in October that were piled up outside in October, but within weeks it was piled up again.

"It's just frustrating, because it seems the problem is left to us to deal with."

New Brighton Labour councillor Pat Hackett told the Globe: "The council are talking to the owner of the land which is private, to ensure they are reminded of their responsibilities to keep it clean.

"I have ensured this has been referred to Environmental Health due to the waste deposited on private land.

"But that is not the answer in itself because if the council clear it, it's a green light for others to dump again and will not solve the problem in the long run.

"The officers will continue to talk to the landlords as I am sure that traders will want to ensure that this is done properly so that this is not repeated and that we are not here again in 6/12 months".

In a statement, the council said: "Council officers have confirmed the location of this waste and have identified the owners of the land.

"As the waste is on private land the owner has been notified and has agreed to inspect and clear the waste.

"Officers will continue to monitor the land to ensure that that the waste is removed.”