A man has been “trapped” in his own home after a “mountain of rotting bin bags” was dumped outside his home.
Lee Hoult, who lives in North Shields, discovered approximately 150 decomposing refuse sacks that have accumulated behind his council-owned property.
The 37-year-old betting shop manager claims that rats and seagulls regularly tear into the waste, whilst the resulting stench forces him to seal all windows against swarms of flies.
Mr Hoult said: “I feel like a prisoner in my own home and I can’t enjoy my own house.”
He described how the foul-smelling heap prevents him from using his outdoor space.
The rubbish mountain has been growing since February, transforming his backyard into what he describes as a waste-disposal site.
Despite contacting North Tyneside Council approximately 30 times and sending numerous emails since February, Mr Hoult says his complaints have yielded no results.
The tenant first alerted authorities on February 24 when he spotted 10 to 15 sacks accumulating outside the property.
Lee Hoult discovered approximately 150 decomposing refuse sacks that had accumulated behind his council-owned property
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He believes fellow residents in the building are responsible for the dumping, though he cannot identify specific culprits.
The man explained: “At first there were only 10 to 15 bags and it was just laziness of them not putting them in the bin.”
The property has designated bins located down a lane that receive regular collections, making the illegal dumping particularly frustrating for the long-term resident.
Mr Hoult, who described himself as a “house-proud person”, has occupied the £80 a week rental for six years and now finds himself too ashamed to invite visitors due to the overwhelming waste problem.
A man has been ‘trapped’ in his own home after a ‘mountain of rotting bin bags’ was dumped outside his home
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He explained: “It smells foul and like rotten food. With the warm weather, I’d love to be able to sit in my own yard, but I can’t do that at the moment. I’m trapped indoors or I have to go out somewhere else.”
The situation has left him feeling powerless, claiming: “I feel helpless and no one is listening to me.”
The council dispatched a housing officer to inspect the premises in July following correspondence in June, but Mr Hoult reports no subsequent action was taken despite photographic evidence being collected.
The resident’s local MP intervened in May, contacting the council directly about the escalating situation.
Seagulls regularly tear into the waste, according to the resident
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Mr Hoult has since lodged a formal complaint and demands the authority clear the waste whilst issuing warnings to those responsible.
Peter Mennell, director of Housing and Property Services at North Tyneside Council, offered an apology.
He said: “Our housing officers are supporting Mr Hoult and I am sorry for the impact this is having on him.”
The council confirmed they have “plans in place” to address the situation and will collaborate with affected addresses to prevent future occurrences.