A PEMBROKE DOCK County Councillor has hit out on social media after rubbish piled up near flats in the town caught fire.

Cllr Paul Dowson, who says that rubbish has been a problem in the area, says it was just a matter of time before an incident such as this occurred.

The incident on Monday night (Oct 30) comes as the local authority has launched a consultation on refuse collection in the county. Residents could soon be facing three weekly black bin bag collections – and restrictions on the number of black bags that can put out.

The proposal is part of a plan to transform the collection of waste and recycling in the county, and will help Pembrokeshire County Council make savings.

On his Facebook page, Cllr Dowson said: “It was always just a matter of time before this happened. Dimond Street flats [are often] piled up with rubbish for weeks.

“First came the rats – so I’m told by tenants, and now the inevitable has happened – a fire has broken out in the enclosed space between the flats.

“Fortunately somebody discovered the fire pretty quickly otherwise this scene could have been a lot worse as people were living above the fire.”

Gone to rats: Rubbish has long been a problem for residents of the flats

Cllr Dowson says that one particular property rental company seems to be not doing its bit in helping with the problem, whist another, managing flats opposite, demonstrates a “commitment to their tenants, and the community” by installing secure cages for waste.

He added: “I have battled alone over the disgraceful sight of the bins and the safety issues that go with it. E Lettings have never acknowledged the problem never discussed the issue and have made absolutely no effort whatsoever to rectify the problem.

“Whenever I try to communicate with them about it they either ignore my contacts or they report me to the police for harassing them. Whether or not it is the tenants fault they have a responsibility to the community and they should show a little respect to the community.

Jill Evans, Manager of E Lettings in Pembroke Dock, told the Herald: “I had arranged a meeting with Mr Dowson but that has been put on hold as he continues to be aggressive. Until he can behave professionally we cannot meet with him.

“We are very busy with all of our lettings and the residents have to put their own rubbish out. We will remind them when their bin days are and we are also working closely with the council.

“If anyone has any concerns I am more than happy to discuss it with them.

“There seems to be a witch hunt against us and I am not prepared to get my business involved in that.”>