Rats, garbage and increasing taxes: because Birmingham stinks right now – Podcast | Birmingham
“It was absolutely incredible,” says William Timms, a parasitic controller, to Hannah Moore.
“Since March, calls have increased by 50%. Usually, I have to do with about three or four rodents of rodents per day at this time of year. And then I have my insect works at the top.
“But I had to put my insect works on the rear burner, because I am only flooded with rat calls. I am doing about nine or 10 per day at the moment.”
Birmingham garbage collectors have been in a total strike since the beginning of March. Muci of black bags and objects of the litter’s streets throughout the city.
“The smell from here is simply diabolical,” says Timms. “When I am rummaging through it, I am looking for nests, I’m actually lifting.”
Jessica Murray, correspondent of the Guardian’s social affairs, and Hannah discuss the financial crisis at the Birmingham Council, the threatened and impact works on people in the city. Hannah also visits the picket to meet the workers at the center of the dispute.
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