A COUNCILLOR has expressed concerns over the amount of rubbish left by businesses on streets in the town centre.

Cllr Mike Hannon has highlighted particular concern in the area round Hill Street, where he noted bin bags strewn 'everywhere' at the weekend.

Rats were also seen in the vicinity by the veteran councillor.

Several units on Horsemarket Street back onto this area, including the Warrington Borough Council's own contact centre.

Cllr Hannon said: "The rear alley is an absolute disgrace, with bin bags and rubbish scattered everywhere - I was ashamed.

"I have asked many times for this area to be put on a regular cleaning program, but it appears my complaints are ignored - I would simply not accept this diabolical, poor standard.

"Let's get it sorted and regularly cleaned.

"Many businesses are responsible, but I saw people pulling bin bags out of the skip to rummage through the contents then leave them on the floor."

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Cllr Hannon also suggested charging cafes and restaurants in the town centre and Stockton Heath a 'small fee' for a 24-hour waste service.

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He added: "It's pointless having our new development with cafes and restaurants if they are not monitored with a regular cleaning team.

"It is also pointless trying to sell and promote our town centre if we can’t keep it clean and free of rats.

"I believe we’ve got to replicate other towns and cities who have a high volume of cafes and restaurants.

"They have refuse vehicles working round the clock to clear waste during the opening hours.

"Many cafes and restaurants operate throughout the day and night, so the bins sometimes cannot cope.

"As our eating places expand in places like Time Square and the Cultural Quarter, the problem gets worse - so we need something in place."

A memo from the council's environmental department, seen by the Warrington Guardian, said that it would 'look into the issue as a priority'.

The email added that it would 'ensure the council was monitoring the situation and that the public realm was kept clean', but that businesses and residents also needed to 'dispose of their waste responsibly'.