Cafe worker calls for others to help clean up in the Yard

Frank De Guelle, who works at the Big Cup Cafe in Victoria Terrace, said he fears rats are infesting the part of Spencer Yard where rubbish is piling up and items including chairs, large cooking oil cans, ladders, and a mattresse have either been dumped or left in the road.

Mr De Guelle said he believes the culprits are a combination of businesses in both Spencer Street and Victoria Terrace which back onto the side street, students living in accommodation nearby and even fly tippers despite signs warning against the illegal dumping.

He said: “I am sick and tired of it.

“Why should I have to clean up other people’s rubbish and why are people allowed to just dump their rubbish like this?”

Mr De Guelle said the Big Cup pays for Fortress to collect its rubbish but he was unsure who was responsible for collections for other businesses and residences in the area.

The wheelie bins used by the premises are the property of various different disposal companies

Responding to the issues, The Co-operative Childcare Nursery in Spencer Street, which backs onto Spencer Yard, is doing its bit to improve the situation.

A spokesperson for The Co-operative Childcare said: “We have taken steps to improve the conditions of the rubbish area at the rear of the Leamington Spencer nursery after its condition was bought to our attention last week.

“We have now arranged for our weekly collections to be doubled and the size of our recycling facilities to be significantly increased.

“The area has undergone a thorough jet wash clean and preventative pest control has also been stepped up.

“Our Group General Manager has personally contacted parents and carers to update them on the new measures in place and will continue to monitor the situation.”