Company threatened with prosecution over pile of waste plaguing residents

A Community Protection Notice has been served at a property home to Walsall’s ‘biggest pile of dumped waste’. The notice to 70 Hollyhedge Lane comes as waste continues to pile up and out onto the footpath on Dalkeith Street.

Three notices were posted on the property formerly home to A1 Furniture, a textiles and factory workshop. One of the notices is addressed to AL11 Properties Ltd and the other two are addressed to individuals both registered as directors for the company.

READ MORE: Life next to 'rubbish mountain' that has plagued street for 'three years'

Each of the notices are the same. They order the removal of all accumulations of controlled waste, including white goods and waste that could harbour or attract vermin, waste which is potentially dangerous, and any waste having a detrimental effect on the visual appearance of the area.

The actions must be carried out before 23:59 November 29, 2024. If the notice is ignored and the mess remains, AL11 Properties Ltd could be prosecuted and convicted of a criminal offence.

Earlier this year, the company had been granted permission by Walsall Council’s planning officers to build a two storey extension at the site. The extension was to form a wider project of redeveloping the derelict factory building which has fallen victim to vandalism over time.

A caravan is nestled in the waste at the rear of the factory, where the extension is due to be built. As the mess spills out into Dalkeith Street, residents speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service have reported rodents, bad smells, squatters and fires.

Vice-chair of community group Birchills Agenda 21, Shokt Fazal, said: "It's taken twelve weeks of constant communication to bring this notice.

"This is a perfect example of partnership between the council and the community. Rather than just keyboard warriors, we are active. We have supported local residents with their concerns and will continue to do so until it is resolved."