'I live on neglected Birmingham road where children step over dead rats on their way to school'

A Birmingham resident says his street has been left in a state of constant decay, with piles of rubbish, torn refuse bags and litter now a daily sight and no meaningful response from the council.

Derrick Rapore, who lives on Runcorn Road in Balsall Heath, says what were once occasional missed bin collections have turned into a persistent problem that is impossible to ignore.

“Overflowing bins, ripped bags, household waste dumped in the street – this is what we wake up to every day,” he said. “The photos I’ve shared aren’t taken on a bad day. They show normal life on this road.”

Mr Rapore described the situation as more than just unsightly, warning it has become a serious public health concern. He says the rubbish attracts vermin, creates strong smells and leaves residents feeling abandoned.

“When waste is left to rot in public spaces, it sends a clear message,” he said. “It tells people that basic standards no longer apply and that no one is listening.”

He also raised concerns about fly-tipping by some residents, which he believes is worsening the problem.

“Some people have absolutely no respect or pride in the area,” he said. “They just dump things straight onto the street. But that doesn’t excuse the lack of proper action.”

Mr Rapore says frustration is growing as council tax bills continue to rise while street cleaning and waste collection appear to be failing.

“People have reported this again and again,” he said. “At best, we get a temporary clean-up, then it’s back to the same neglect.”

The impact, he says, is being felt most by families and children.

“Kids are walking to school stepping over dead rats, broken glass and ripped rubbish bags,” he said. “I’ve seen women pushing pushchairs into the road just to avoid walking next to the piles of waste. This is probably the worst road I’ve ever seen.”

Mr Rapore believes the issue would not be allowed to continue if it were happening elsewhere.

“If this was a more affluent or high-profile area, I don’t believe it would be left like this,” he said. “Streets shouldn’t have to reach visible decay before something is done.”

He hopes that by speaking out and sharing images of the conditions, the council will take sustained action rather than carrying out one-off clear-ups.

“No community should be expected to live alongside mounting rubbish as if it’s normal,” he said.

BirminghamWorld has reached out to Birmingham City Council for comment.