COALWAY residents have seen rats in their gardens after council waste collectors Biffa left black bin bags 'littering the streets' of their estate.

Folllowing last week's bin collection, residents found any black sacks that they had left out by their black wheelie bins had been tagged with a note from Biffa stating "Sorry we have been unable to collect your refuse."

A tick-box giving the reason for the non-collection reads: "Items/sacks have been left beside/on top of your bin."

One resident told the Review: "They left everything that wasn't actually in the bin. But there are lots of houses around here that have big families, so there is often too much for one bin."

A spokeswoman for the Forest of Dean District Council said: "Biffa have been using the tags for a couple of weeks now to remind people that they can't leave bin bags out as well as their black bin.

"Biffa did collect bags during and just after the period of heavy snow that we have just had. The problem the collectors have is identifying what is extra household waste, and what is actually fly tipping.

"If anyone does have problems with not having enough room in their bin then they can contact us and we will try and help. There are bigger bins available for those that need them."