A takeaway owner has slammed collectors for not removing a mountain of rubbish that he fears will attract pests.

Ijaz Akhter claimed the bin bags that have been dumped next to his shop, The Viking Fish & Chips in North Watford, have been there for nearly four weeks.

He added that last week he complained to Veolia, which collects rubbish on behalf of the borough council, but has not heard back.

Watford Observer: Ijaz Akhter said despite contacting Veolia about the rubbish they did not reply to himIjaz Akhter said despite contacting Veolia about the rubbish they did not reply to him (Image: Ijaz Akhter)

He said: “With that much rubbish you can start getting mice and they can be difficult to get rid of.

“I own a takeaway; it is a huge health concern.”

If a premises that serves food is found to have pests, they can be forced to close until the issue is rectified.

The bags began appearing four weeks ago near the shop in Bushey Mill Lane, but when Mr Akhter returned from holiday they had “got higher and higher”, he said.

Watford Observer: Ijaz Akhter owns The Viking Fish & ChipsIjaz Akhter owns The Viking Fish & Chips (Image: Ijaz Akhter)

“I’ve had issues with Veolia before, but now they are not responding. It needs to be actioned.  

“They have just stopped picking up the rubbish.” 

Watford Observer: Ijaz Akhter fears pests will be attracted if the rubbish is not cleared soon.Ijaz Akhter fears pests will be attracted if the rubbish is not cleared soon. (Image: Ijaz Akhter)

Mr Akhter insisted that the bags are not his as he has bought specific bins from Veolia to ensure all his would be collected.

He added: “Luckily it's cold weather, but imagine if this was summer, it would cause a stink.”

A Veolia spokesperson said the rubbish next to the fish and chip shop is deemed as fly-tipping “and prevents our crews from emptying the bin”.

They added: “Residents and managing agents or landlords have a responsibility to reduce the amount of waste they produce and not overfill bins or place excess waste next to bins.

“On this one occasion only, Veolia will clear all excess waste and re-engage with residents and the landlord and managing agents to ensure they are not producing additional waste for collection."

The spokesperson said Veolia works closely with Watford Borough Council's environmental health department to provide residents and businesses with the correct bin provisions and education on what items can go in which bins.