A MORECAMBE businessman says his life and work are becoming intolerable because of the build up of illegally dumped rubbish outside his cafe.

Ian Campbell runs Tomlinson Sandwich Bar on Albert Road in the resort and he claims residents in nearby multi-occupancy houses and flats have been dumping heaps of rubbish in the back alley behind his shop for the last two years.

He argues that it is a health hazard because packs of dogs now scavenge in the alley, children rummage through the rubbish and, on one occasion, children even set the rubbish alight.

"The council bin men come every day to empty the public bin in front of my sandwich bar so why can't they nip round the back and clear up the rubbish," said Mr Campbell.

"The worst part of it is the stink. It can be really bad, especially in the hot weather. I got on to our MP Geraldine Smith about it and she talked to the chief executive but, apart from a couple of letters, nothing seems to get done."

A council spokesman said: "We are well aware of the situation and recognise that it is a problem.

"We check the area about five or six times a week and in a bid to stop it we've leafleted houses in the area and also pursued two prosecutions. Surveillance will be stepped up and we're also looking at the possibility of changing the refuse collection day."

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