PEOPLE are fuming about the state of Hamilton Square, with overflowing bins and fly-tipping hampering the Georgian area.

The state of some of the areas surrounding the historic Birkenhead square have been described as “totally unacceptable” this week, with calls for closer enforcement from Wirral Council.

The authority says it is aware of the issues, particularly around Douglas Street, and has issued a warning to potential fly-tippers, and those disposing of waste irresponsibly.

Posting images on Twitter of the waste, Sarah Deboe wrote: “Welcome to Hamilton Square, a Grade One listed tourist attraction and ‘frequently checked’ by the council apparently.”

Local councillor Pat Cleary said there were “chronic and long-standing issues” with litter and fly-tipping along Douglas Street in particular.

He said: “It is totally unacceptable that residents and visitors to central Birkenhead have to put up with scenes like this on such a regular basis.

“Myself and others have frequently reported such problems but nothing seems to change. If Wirral Council is serious about improving Birkenhead then it needs to get the basics right with more regular clean ups and stronger enforcement action against frequent offenders.”

Wirral Globe:

Businessman Rod Heron, owner of Kanokphons Thai Massage Studio, said the litter and bins problem in the area is “continuous”.

He said: “It needs a real good clean up probably every fortnight just to keep on top of it.

“If there’s rubbish everywhere, people will be more inclined to add to it, whereas if things are clean, they are less likely to dump stuff.

“It has a big impact on the area. I don’t think the square is utilised as it should be. It’s quite sad really. There seems to be a lack of concern about it, it looks so uncared for.”

A spokeswoman for the council said: “Most of Wirral’s residents and businesses take seriously their responsibility to ensure the waste they generate, including house clearances and commercial waste, is disposed of responsibly for their own benefit and that of their neighbours, but occasionally this is not the case.

“Street cleansing officers have attended a number of issues reported in Douglas Street, Birkenhead over the last two years. As a result of working with residents and businesses, Douglas Street is on a four-weekly scheduled cleanse.”

She said the next cleanse is due on May 7, adding: “The council will, where necessary, respond to incidents of fly-tipping and irresponsible waste disposal and will carry out enforcement against those responsible for fly-tipping. Environmental officers will continue to work with residents to ensure they are fully aware of their responsibilities to dispose of household waste correctly using the green and grey bins provided to ensure we can all meet our environmental obligations.

“An officer will shortly meet with residents and businesses to discuss ongoing arrangements in the area.”