Huge pile of rubbish left for 'eight weeks' due to mystery over who owns the land

Piles of rubbish left behind the Tesco store on Cheltenham Road are no closer to being cleared as there's uncertainty over who owns the land where the waste has been dumped. Residents living nearby to Picton Lane in Montpelier are insisting that something must be done and describe it as a "public health issue".

But Tesco has said the bins do not belong to its Cheltenham Road store, and Bristol City Council has also said it is currently unable to access the site and clear the rubbish as the land is privately owned. According to the authority, it does not have the power to access the land without a specific court order.

But Laurence Elliott, owner of nearby Yogasara yoga studio, has called for action. He said: "The bins at the back of Tesco's have not had a rubbish collection now for at least eight weeks, maybe longer - there are large quantities of rubbish piled up, bags are splitting, very smelly.

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"I've seen rats and litter being blown around Picton Lane. It is an environmental and public health issue and affecting local residents and businesses," he added.

"The bins lie opposite our rear entrance to our business property - we have a yoga studio and therapy rooms - a large pile of smelly rubbish is not the most therapeutic sight before your yoga class."

Bristol City Council does not own the land where the pile-up is located. However, local authorities do have the power to serve a notice on an owner or occupier ordering work to get rid of the problem, according to Citizens' Advice.

Bristol Waste Company collects rubbish on behalf of the council but can limit the amount of waste they are prepared to take on collection days. It is unknown who the waste belongs to, as there are a number of businesses and private properties in the vicinity, but the council has confirmed its enforcement team are investigating.

Bristol City Council has an online form where people can report a street that needs cleaning. This can include concerns with litter or overflowing bins, dead animals and dog mess.