Retired salesman Douglas Gentle is kicking up a stink about piles of rubbish.

The balcony of Mr Gentle's flat overlooks a communal bin that is so overused that by Monday morning, plastic bags of rubbish are piled up next to it.

The bags are mauled by animals and attacked by seagulls and the stench of rubbish makes it impossible for Mr Gentle and his wife to enjoy their balcony.

His balcony backs on to Montpelier Road, Brighton, where the controversial communal bins were introduced earlier this year to clear the streets of black plastic bags that were causing a health hazard.

Mr Gentle said: "Every Monday I have to call the council. It has gone on since they put the bins in.

"They don't empty them on a Sunday so by Saturday night it's almost full and by Monday it has rubbish piled up against it. It's revolting."

Mr Gentle, who has lived in the flat for more than 15 years, said the bin served a large number of bedsits and another was needed farther along in Montpelier Road.

The bin may be outside his window but Mr Gentle and the residents of the other 89 flats in his block do not even use it - they have their own communal refuse area.

He said: "Every Monday I have to harass the council. I must have made about 20 phone calls."

Gillian Marston, assistant director of waste collector Cityclean, has visited the site. A council spokesman said: "We will investigate and watch this one carefully to see if it's being abused by traders.

"We will take enforcement action if necessary."