RUBBISH has been allowed to pile up at a block of flats in Feltham creating a safety hazard as well as unbearable smells and a rat problem, say angry residents.

Fed-up families at Pieris House in the High Street are disgusted by the treatment from the housing group after bins were left uncollected for a month.

They claim their living conditions are deteriorating as it is not the first time bags have piled up for up to four weeks, and are demanding a more regular waste collection.

Katie Allen, who lives in Pieris House, said: "Rubbish is collected once a month but there are hundreds of flats so you can imagine how much rubbish builds up. The smell is unbearable, especially when it's hot, and the rats running around are bigger than my cat. I've reported the problem countless times but no one seems to do anything about it."

The housing group admitted there is a rubbish problem and held a meeting on Wednesday June 26 to work out a solution with residents of Pieris House.

Dawn Wightman, A2Dominion’s area director of housing services, said: "We regret that residents are experiencing problems with rubbish disposal at Pieris House in Feltham. The problem is caused when residents leave bin bags outside of the rubbish chute, rather than placing them inside the chute. This then causes an obstruction for other residents wishing to use the chute to dispose of their bin bags.

"We have previously sent letters to the residents and placed signs near the rubbish chute with clear instructions on how to use the chute, but this has not resolved the issue. It has been agreed that we will look into redesigning the residents’ area to make the bin chute more accessible and easier to use.

“Both the waste in the bin store at the bottom of the chute and the additional rubbish that has been building up outside of the chute is removed on a weekly basis."