Tory MPs demand action over 'public health' consequences of bin strikes as crunch talks begin

Last night, West Bromwich East MP Nicola Richards, West Bromwich West Shaun Bailey, Halesowen and Rowley Regis MP James Morris co-signed a letter to council leader Councillor Kerrie Carmichael with leader of the Conservative group Councillor David Fisher.

They said: "As we enter the fourth week of the strikes, we write to you to express our concerns about the significant disruption endured by residents, the public health risk associated with uncollected food waste and ask that you intervene.

"There is more litter and fly tipping in our streets as a direct result of the strikes. Some residents have had no residual or food waste collections for several weeks.

"There are completely justified in their complaints about the terrible mess and odour that uncollected waste is causing in our streets. We are concerned that unclean streets and particularly uncollected food waste will attract pests and vermin into residential areas.

"This will undoubtedly cause a greater public health risk in the borough than would usually be acceptable."

The Conservatives demanded Sandwell Council get involved in the industrial dispute between its contractor Serco and the GMB.

They added: "Effective waste management is crucial to protecting public health in our borough. That's why we urge you to consider the consequences of this summer of strikes in Sandwell. Your administration, has so far, taken a hands off approach to these strikes. That must end and you must take responsibility, make yourself available to ongoing discussions between your contractor and and the unions, and ensure a deal is reached to restore full waste collections in Sandwell."

Talk are set to take place between Serco and the GMB today (Tuesday).

Deputy leader of Sandwell Council Councillor Bob Piper said: "We recognise the impact of the ongoing industrial action.

"As a council we have been urging Serco to work with its employees and the trade unions to find a resolution to the dispute, and working hard to ensure any disruption is kept to an absolute minimum and have maintained domestic waste collections as priority as far as possible.

"We are pleased talks between Serco and the three trade unions will take place today (Tuesday). Our priority is to ensure that this vital service for our residents is returned to normal operations as quickly as possible and we hope resolution is found."

Residents have been posting pictures of uncollected rubbish on their streets and demanding answers from Serco and the council.

Leanne Henson tweeted: "I’m disabled, like many other Sandwell residents, how do they expect me (them) to get my (our) rubbish to the tip? On my mobility scooter?"

Sandwell resident Mandip Singh, who lives on the Tameside estate, is fed up with the dispute.

He said: "This situation is becoming unbearable.

"Even grey rubbish bins are being delayed to be collected. If you can please highlight these then perhaps Sandwell council will actually try and resolve this issue for the residents of Sandwell."

The industrial action, the second in two years, is being led by the GMB, whereas UNISON and Unite who are continuing to work causing tension between all three organisations.

Last week the Express & Star revealed accusations agency staff had been involved "in eight accidents in one week" as the GMB claimed 125,000 households had been impacted by its action as it presses for a pay rise.

Sandwell Council signed a 25-year contract for waste and recycling services with Serco in November 2010 which is estimated to be worth £650 million.