“A RAT infested eyesore” is how one local councillor described the state of Wordsley Green Community Centre’s recycling bank.

Councillor Matt Rogers said he was “appalled” to find the area with rubbish left up to four feet high when he visited the site recently.

He also criticised Dudley Council for allowing not removing the fly-tipped rubbish from the recycling centre, which is based on the rear car park of the community centre and library.

But Councillor Hilary Bills, cabinet member for environmental services, said the issue is “as frustrating for the council as it is for local residents”.

Dumped next to the recycling banks include black sacks and bin liners full to the brim with rubbish, as well as large amounts of loose clothing, cans and bottles.

Tory councillor Rogers added: “I have never seen such an appalling mess left for such a long time. The council should start an immediate clear up and ensure this does not happen again.

“Wordsley Green is well used as a shopping centre, it also houses the library, health centre and community centre.

“Because of the local services based here it’s one of the most visited areas in Wordsley, so I’m at a loss as to how the council could have allowed this mess to build up in the first place and then take a considerable amount of time to clear it.”

Cllr Bills responded to Cllr Rogers’ claims, saying: “We are aware of this fly-tipping issue and have cleared the site twice in the last week.

“We have also issued several fixed penalty fines of £75 to those caught leaving waste at the site.

“Behaviour like this is as frustrating for the council as it is for local residents, who end up footing the bill through their council tax.”

The council is encouraging people to report issues to them via Dudley Council Plus by calling 0300 555 2345, emailing dudleycouncilplus@dudley.gov.uk or using the Dudley Council app.