BINS left unemptied are causing a stink in Brighton Hill, and businesses fear it could put people off coming to the centre.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s refuse collector Serco reportedly failed to empty the bins belonging to residential flats above the parade of shops near Asda, in Brighton Hill, more than two weeks ago.

With the hot weather, the now overflowing bins are causing a stench across the centre, and residents have no idea when they will be emptied, with refuse collectors missing them again this week.

Laurain Mosdell, who lives in the flats, said: “It is a month tomorrow since they were last emptied and it absolutely stinks, with flies everywhere, even the entrance to the flats all at the back door and in the entrance.

“They never empty our bins regularly; it has been ongoing for about a year now.”

The 58-year-old added: “It’s a health hazard.”

Munna Bisna, whose family run Saffron Tandoori underneath the flats, said the residential bins are overflowing and he is worried that if the smell gets any worse it will put people off coming to the centre.

He added: “It’s a concern for the residents because they have to walk past it, there’s only a metre between the bins and the wall. For them, that’s not nice.

“The council need to sort it; it can’t stay like that for another two weeks. I will have to complain to the council if it goes on for anymore than a few more days.”

Councillor Andrew McCormick, leader of the Labour group who represents Brighton Hill South at Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, said: “Bin collections have been under considerable strain due to Coronavirus, with many staff self-isolating and shielding. That’s why the decision was made to drop collections down to alternate weeks for black bins.

“We’ve been having considerable problems with missed collections, late collections, and bin sacks left outside which get ripped open by animals. The past couple of days have been extremely hot and this will mean any uncollected food waste will go off very quickly producing nasty smells.

“I feel for the residents in the flats above the shops as they can’t escape the smell and it’s around them day and night.”

Cllr McCormick said he would ask the council’s environmental department to investigate and, if necessary, arrange a special collection.

He believes the bins are otherwise not due to be collected again until July 13.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has been asked for a comment.