RESIDENTS are claiming they are being put at risk of coronavirus by missed bin collections.

Last week collections and graffiti removal were scaled back by Brighton and Hove City Council in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Now, furious residents, who claim rubbish has been uncollected for two weeks, say they are being put at risk of infection.

In a plea to get the waste cleared, Helyn Soud, who lives in Brewer Street, near Lewes Road, Brighton, said: “The rubbish has yet again been attacked by seagulls, rats and foxes. My front step now has rubbish in front of it, this is completely unacceptable, the rubbish is over two weeks old, smells and is contaminated.

“Given the current climate and people living in Brewer Street with a compromised immunity system I would have hoped the council would have ensured that this rubbish was collected.

“I am really worried about the health of my family, the rubbish bags are piling up higher and higher each day.”

Another resident, who lives in Phoenix Rise and asked not to be named, said: “We already had a plague of rats and mice in the last few years and it’s breeding season for seagulls, who are ripping open bags.

“We are going to have the plague back soon if they don’t get on top of it now.

“Not to mention bits of used tissue paper covered in coronavirus flying about, at risk of infecting vulnerable people enjoying some sunshine while pottering about their gardens.”

The council said it realises it is behind with collections but following Government guidance, many of its staff are self-isolating and others have been advised to work from home.

Cityclean, the council’s bin collection service, is down some 100 staff, which is about half of its workforce.

It says it is in the process of recruiting more drivers and operatives to get the waste and recycling service back to as normal as possible.

Councillor Anne Pissaridou, chairwoman of the environment, transport and sustainability committee, said: “I know how frustrating it is when bins aren’t emptied and collections are missed. I know too the hardship our residents are facing, emotionally, mentally and financially.

“But I promise the council is doing all it can to keep our services running as well as possible and we’re helping and advising in every area we can, from council tax to parking tickets, homelessness to food banks, health issues to helping and supporting the elderly and vulnerable.

“These are unprecedented times for the whole country, and every local authority.

“We ask you, and all of our residents, to help us get through this crisis, to bear with us and be as patient and considerate as possible.”

  • The coronavirus Sussex Crisis Fund has been set up to help those affected by the pandemic. The Argus’s charity and American Express have each donated £50,000 to kick-start the appeal.  Grants will usually be for up to £5,000. More information is available at www.sussexgiving. org.uk/apply. To donate visit www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/sussexcrisisfund​