A NEWSAGENT has slammed Rochdale Council for failing to tackle a waste problem that has resulted in rats ‘running riot’ outside his premises.

Zulfiqar Ali, owner of Walk News in the town centre, is furious that shoppers are dumping litter outside his shop and says no one from the council has collected it for three weeks, despite numerous telephone calls reporting the problem.

He fears that business will be hit and customers will be put off by the stench coming from the rotting food if the problem persists.

A customer has even reported seeing a rat outside the shop on Friday.

Mr Ali, pictured right, said: "People are dumping rubbish outside and it’s horrible – there are bottles, cartons and food outside.

"It is a health hazard and there’s a bad smell coming from the food which is rotting. A customer saw a rat running outside and I’m worried that we will have more if the waste isn’t collected.

"We have complained so many times but the council has done nothing even though I was told that it would be sorted out.

"This has gone on for three weeks so it’s not a new problem. I’m very annoyed."

Rochdale Council have promised to investigate.