RESIDENTS say a part of west Hull is becoming a "paradise for rats" because of an increasing problem with litter and fly-tipping.
They say piles of bin bags, shattered glass, beer cans and mattresses are plaguing the community spirit on a daily basis.
The bulk of the problem is in Worthing Street and surrounding roads, according to those who live close by.
One 79-year-old resident, who did not want to be named, said: "It is absolutely disgusting. The area has become a paradise for rats and they are taking over the streets.
"People should count themselves lucky they are not having to live in these parts – it is filthy.
"It is beyond a joke and something needs to be done about it as soon as possible.
"The place stinks and looks like a dumping ground. It is full of rubbish, broken mirrors, beds, cushions, old clothes, kids' toys and beer cans.
"I once saw someone dump 14 bags of rubbish. Now is the time to speak up about it because we have had enough."
Residents say the problem has been getting more and more serious over the past three years, but that it has reached its peak in recent months.
Another resident, 74, who also asked to remain anonymous, said: "Many years ago, going out for a walk was an enjoyable experience. But, unfortunately, that is no longer the case – especially in this part of Hull.
"There is fly-tipping, littering and many other issues going on all of the time.
"We just want the culprits to stop it now because it has completely brought the area down and it is a huge shame. Why people cannot take their rubbish to a proper tip, I will never know, or even put their rubbish in a normal bin.
"People seem to have become more selfish and lazy. They think it is acceptable behaviour to dump rubbish in other people's streets.
"There is a problem across Hull."
Earlier in the week, residents in Bransholme told the Mail fly-tipping near their homes was on the increase.
They blamed children and adults and said the issues is blighting the entire housing estate.
Richard Clark, who lives in Hucknall Garth, said: "I have lived in Bransholme for many, many years and it has never been as bad as it is now.
"You cannot go down any road without seeing a pile of rubbish here or a load of litter there and it is such a shame.
"We have kids on the estate who just want to go out and play football or hang about, and this is showing them a terrible example.
"But it is both adults and kids who are littering. It is disgusting and something needs to be done about it."
Andy Burton, City Streetscene manager at Hull City Council, said: "Hull City Council is reliant on people disposing of their waste responsibly and encouraging others to use one of the 4,000 bins we have in place across the city.
"Littering and fly-tipping is a crime and people can report this to us by getting in touch, either over the telephone or by email."
• Anyone with information on fly- tippers should email enviro.crime@hullcc.gov.uk or call 01482 300300.
