Rubbish returns a day after alleyways cleared

Rubbish piled up just 24 hours after council teams had cleared alleyways

The sight of rubbish strewn across alleyways just 24 hours after they were cleared has been described as "disheartening" by refuse workers.

Newcastle City Council said a number of back lanes in the West End were filled with rubbish less than a day after they were cleaned by staff.

Pictures show the alleyways littered with discarded items and food.

The council said the "unacceptable behaviour" was unfair on staff and people who take pride in their neighbourhoods.

A spokesperson said it was a recurring issue in the area.

They added while the vast majority of residents and businesses dispose of their waste responsibly, there was a problem with a "small minority who blight our neighbourhoods through fly-tipping and littering".

Newcastle City Council has asked people to report fly-tipping and littering

The Labour-led authority said the West End area was cleaned "multiple times per week depending on the need".

It said it had increased bin capacity, adjusted street sweeping schedules and worked with local businesses to improve waste storage practices to tackle problems in the city's back lanes.

"We've also identified issues such as 'bin raiding', where individuals rummage through bins, and improper waste disposal by some residents," the spokesperson added.

"Our local services teams and enforcement officers are working together to tackle these environmental crimes to ensure our communities feel clean, safe and respected."