STREWN rubbish on Aberystwyth’s streets over the past two weeks is “not an isolated incident”, local businesses have claimed.

Calls are again being made for more robust waste containers in the town after black bin bags left on Sea View Place, off South Road, appear to have been torn open by seagulls, with hotelier John Evans claiming the mess was left for two days without being cleaned up.

Posting on Facebook last week, staff at Medina, on Market Street, also bemoaned the “embarrassing” state of the streets on the morning of Tuesday, 25 July, claiming it was “not a one off”.

John Evans, who owns Yr Hafod Guest House, on South Marine Terrace, has blamed the problem on “poorly managed HMOs”, and called on Ceredigion County Council to crack down on intransigent landlords.

“The litter is from black bin bags that were wrongly put out for collection on Tuesday, 18 July,” said Mr Evans.

“This is household refuse from a house of multiple occupation (HMO) and it has been spread out over the pavement and the street for the last two days.

“This is not an isolated incident as it occurs on a weekly basis outside many poorly managed HMOs in Aberystwyth."

Cllr Endaf Edwards said: “I am aware of problems with HMOs and waste in Rheidol ward.

“I have received more complaints from ward residents about waste than any other issue.

“The main cause of this is waste being left out for collection on the wrong day and/or the wrong time, making it more likely that bags will be ripped open by seagulls.

“The black bags currently used are clearly not fit for purpose in a coastal town, therefore Ceredigion council must consider providing seagull-proof bags."

A Ceredigion County Council spokesperson said: “As part of Caru Ceredigion, residents, visitors and businesses are encouraged to make proper use of the services and facilities available to them. This includes presenting their waste in the right way and on the right day.

“Therefore, as well as the council playing its part, other stakeholders have a role to play – it is the responsibility of those who produce waste to deal with it legally and responsibly.

“Suitable seagull proof containers, including bins, are already readily available and in use locally."

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