Residents on Dalkeith Street have complained of rodents, bad smells and even fires and say the waste comes from “squatters” now living behind an abandoned furniture store on Hollyhedge Lane.

Among the damage was a sofa, rugs, mattresses, building rubble and a refrigerator. People living on the streets said trash had been a problem for several years. Resident Ishjaq Bostan said he wanted the problem resolved.

The 44-year-old said: “I’ve lived here all my life. There is too much waste. When I walk past it early in the morning, I see mice and rats. He has been there for over three years. It’s stinky and dirty. They’re emptying the local building and burning stuff.

“I want to see a pleasant neighborhood, without waste. Sometimes when we go there, there are TVs, beds, everything. Sometimes random people come with cars or vans, they put trash on them and they’re still there today.”

Ashak Mahmood, another resident, said: “The whole street complained, no action. There are people living there. There is smoke, there is fire all day long. The firefighters came here twice.”

One dog walker, aged 40, added: “This mountain of spills has been there for years. Every time something is removed, more comes. There used to be charity bins for donated clothes and shoes. People left their donations in the street when the banks were full. I don’t remember when they were taken away. This is the biggest pile of fly tipping I have seen in Walsall. It makes the place messy.

Walsall Council said it was aware of the problem and hoped to take enforcement action. A spokesperson said: “Walsall Council is aware of recent reports regarding fly tipping on Dalkeith Street. Community Protection is actively investigating the situation and taking appropriate enforcement action against those responsible.

“The council takes spills very seriously as they pose significant risks to public health, safety and the environment. Community Protection works diligently to identify and address these issues, including gathering evidence and deploying surveillance measures.

“The council also has a role to play in providing support and assistance to anyone who is homeless or who fears becoming homeless. Further guidance is available on the council’s website. The council appreciates the cooperation and vigilance of the community in this matter.

A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: “We will work with our partners at Walsall Council and assist them with any fly-tipping investigations. We encourage the public to report any such incidents. You can do this by calling 101.”

Residents are encouraged to report any instances of fly-tipping or suspicious activity to Community Protection via 01922 653060 or [email protected].