A DISGRUNTLED resident has called on a town centre improvement group to spend some of its £190,000 budget on tackling the area's growing litter problem, which she says is attracting an influx of rodents.

Manchester Street resident Janet Smith said the back alleys in Barrow's town centre are "constantly" littered with rubbish and overflowing bins, attracting seagulls and rats.

She has called on Barrow's Business Improvement District to use some of its cash to tackle the problem.

"I notice that Barrow BID have money to spend on the town centre.

"I live in Manchester Street. The shop keepers who use our residential alleyway are constantly leaving it in a mess. If Barrow BID want to do something positive for the town centre keeping it clean would be a step in the right direction.

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"I have complained to the council several times about what is basically fly tipping in the alleyway. We have all this mess behind our houses. It attracts seagulls and rats," she said.

Simon Craig, chair of the BID refuted Ms Smith's claims that the group should spend their funds on tackling the growing problem but insisted they were "committed to helping improve the town centre."

He said: "The BID is there to enhance what's already in place from the council- not to replace it.

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"The council have a got a responsibility to make sure the litter is collected but we can help the businesses sort their bins out.

"We have started the process and we are communicating with all businesses in Cavendish and Scott Street to highlight good house keeping, hygiene control and to make sure bins are fit for purpose."

Mr Craig said part of the problem was that bungs were being removed from the bottom of the large bins during collection and cleaning, creating a space for rats to get into.

He added: "At the last meeting, we agreed that rats and litter were on our agenda.

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"We have asked all the businesses to check their bins are fit for purpose and if they have any difficulties in getting a replacement, to contact us and we will help them."

As chair, Mr Craig also extended an open invitation to the public ahead of the BID's forthcoming meeting on March 27, at The Forum.

The open meeting will offer residents and businesses a chance to have their say about any relevant issues form 5.30pm.