Anger at 'disgusting' rubbish slew at beauty spot

One resident said they feared the rubbish would attract rats

Residents have expressed "disgust" after items including shopping trolleys, prams and household waste were found dumped around a Merseyside river beauty spot.

Photographs shared by some residents show the items strewn across the surface and banks of the River Alt in Woolfall Heath Park in Huyton, Knowsley.

Other items seen there included plastic bags and glass bottles, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Responding to a photo shared on social media, one resident said: "This issue has been ongoing for a long time. It's disgusting," with another saying "rats will be having a field day".

The Environment Agency is aware of the issue but said they were also busy dealing with a range of incidents across the region and beyond following the flooding on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

The BBC has approached Knowsley Council for comment.

Another resident said: "It's in the entire community's benefit if watercourses such as the Alt are kept scrupulously clean. Rats are carriers of disease."

The Alt has a history of flooding and appeared to burst its banks back in October, leading to the closure of Valley Road in Kirkby after it was submerged in water.