Rubbish returns a day after alleyways cleared

The sight of rubbish strewn across alleyways just 24 hours after they were cleared has been described as "disheartening" by refuse workers.

Newcastle City Council said a number of back lanes in the city centre were filled with rubbish less than a day after they were cleaned by staff.

Pictures show the alleyways littered with discarded items and food.

The council said the "unacceptable behaviour" is unfair on staff and people who take pride in their neighbourhoods.

A council spokesperson said while the vast majority of residents and businesses dispose of their waste responsibly, there is a problem with a "small minority who blight our neighbourhoods through fly-tipping and littering".

The authority said it had increased bin capacity, adjusted street sweeping schedules and worked with local businesses to improve waste storage practices to tackle problems in the city's back lanes.

"We've also identified issues such as 'bin raiding', where individuals rummage through bins, and improper waste disposal by some residents," the spokesperson added.

"Our local services teams and enforcement officers are working together to tackle these environmental crimes to ensure our communities feel clean, safe and respected."

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