Kevin Sampson, owner of Sampson’s Barber and Tattoo at 15 The Centre, said fly tipping and excess commercial waste behind his premises has reached crisis point, blocking access to bins and attracting “hundreds of rats”. 

The rubbish is located on part of Station Road that is situated behind several businesses on Walliscote Road, and Kevin said it has not been properly cleaned for “four or five years”. 

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Kevin Sampson, owner of Sampson’s Barber and Tattoo at 15 The Centre, said fly tipping and excess commercial waste behind his premises has reached crisis point. (Image: Newsquest)

The council has responded to Kevin’s concerns, saying it is aware of the problem but cannot clear the waste due to the area being privately owned. 

“It’s ridiculous. Our bins don’t get emptied because the guys can’t get past the rubbish,” Kevin said.  

“There is organic waste in there and hundreds of rats. Our area is pretty clean, but at the other end of the road it’s the apocalypse. 

“The council said they won’t clean it up. They said it’s down to the tenants. I personally think it’s partly fly tipping and partly the businesses in the area, because there is a lot of food waste there.  

“You can tell it’s not household waste because it’s commercial food waste.” 

Mike Bell, leader of North Somerset Council and cabinet member for strategic partnerships, finance, digital and corporate services, said the council is working to fix the problem, but is limited in its powers due to the centre being on private land. 

“We are aware of the problem and are working to find a sustainable solution to the issue,” he said. 

“The Centre is private land so there are limitations on what action we can take as the council.  

“We have cleared this up several times before and worked with landowners but it hasn’t led to a lasting improvement.  

The council has responded to Kevin’s concerns, saying it is aware of the problem but cannot clear the waste due to the area being privately owned. (Image: Newsquest)

“We are now setting up a working group, which I will lead, to assess options for enabling the residents and businesses to manage the area for themselves.  

“It needs to be sorted out and we encourage landowners, residents and businesses to work with us on this.”