On behalf of a group of long-term residents living in Salisbury Village, Dil Randhawa said people living on their estate are facing “what has become a serious environmental and public health issue”.

She said: “For more than six months, residents have been repeatedly reporting widespread fly-tipping, overflowing bins and a growing rat problem.

Residents have documented dozens of incidents of dumped waste. (Image: Dil Randhawa)

“Despite ongoing emails to councillors, the borough council and our MP, there has been little sustained improvement.

“In just one short walk around the estate, residents have documented dozens of instances of dumped waste.

“A major cause of the problem is bins being left out on the streets all week.

“Many bins are damaged or have no lids, so rubbish is constantly scattered across pavements and green spaces.

“This is attracting large numbers of rats, birds and foxes, and residents are increasingly worried about the health risks, especially for children.”

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council said it is aware of residents’ concerns and has taken action.

A borough council spokesperson said: “As the roads have not been adopted by Hertfordshire County Council, the responsibility for the maintenance of the estate lies with the landowners. 

“The landowners have formed a consortium and are working closely with the council to carry out regular inspections, litter picking, road sweeping, and removal of any fly-tipped waste within agreed timescales of notification.

“In addition, the council’s waste enforcement contractor regularly patrols the area and issues fixed penalty notices for littering and fly-tipping.”

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The council says it is arranging ‘a community day of action’ this month, focused on clearing waste, offering advice to residents, and taking enforcement action where necessary.

It says it will also be contacting managers of houses in multiple occupation “to remind them of their responsibilities for proper waste storage and disposal”.

The council spokesperson added: “Work is also under way to address concerns about rats in the area.

“The council has asked Thames Water to carry out sewer baiting and is working with the landowners to ensure they undertake pest control on their land.

“These combined measures are helping to improve cleanliness and overall maintenance of the estate.”