Residents have been left frustrated after rubbish was left piled up for a “second time” outside a block of flats in Erith.

The News Shopper previously reported on December 21 that bins outside Elizabeth Court in Stelling Road had overflown and were not collected for “over three weeks.”

A spokesperson for Bexley Council at the time apologised for the delay and said it was due to adverse weather conditions.

A man living opposite the flats branded the situation as a “disgrace”.

He said the bins in his block are emptied every week, but not the one's opposite him.

He added: “It must be a health and safety issue as people and kids walk past this every day."

On January 4, a different resident claimed that the rubbish was left piled up again, now attracting foxes, cats, and “possibly” rats.

The woman, who wishes to be kept anonymous, said that rubbish is only being collected every fortnight despite weekly scheduled collections.

She explained: “Surely we should not have to live in such squalid conditions.

“It is shameful that Bexley Council is allowing this to keep happening.

“Please can somebody sort out this environmental hazard and get our rubbish collections back on track.”

In a picture sent to the News Shopper, dozens of black bin bags and other rubbish could be seen piled up outside the block.

It seems there are around six communal bins, all of which are full and overflowing.

A spokesperson for Bexley Council has apologised for the situation and said crews tried to clear the rubbish but were prevented due to parked cars.

It confirmed that a member of staff was on site yesterday (January 4) to clear the rubbish.

The council urged residents to keep the area clear for crews to access the site in the future.

The full statement from Bexley Council on January 4 said: “We’re sorry about this situation. Our crews have tried to clear the rubbish but were prevented from doing so because of parked cars. 

“We had a member of staff on site yesterday but would urge residents to keep the area clear so our crews can access the site and clear the rubbish as soon as possible.”