LITTER strewn across roads on Portland has angered residents, who are worried about the potential impact on public health.

Fortuneswell residents told the Echo that waste frequently collects on the streets when bags of rubbish are torn apart by seagulls.

Resident Karen Lewis said: “I could not actually walk down the road on the pavement. There was a rotting crab and barbecue ribs all over the floor, old toothbrushes and teabags.

“It is no wonder everybody is feeling ill all the time.”That is what all our visitors are being greeted with.

“They come into Fortuneswell and it is a dumpster.”

Her daughter, Sami Thomas, added: “It is disgusting and it happens all the way up through Fortuneswell every single week. “Kids have to walk through it going to school.What a fantastic welcome to Portland.”

Cllr Ray Nowak, chairman of Portland Town Council and borough council environment spokesman, said residents were “right to be concerned” about the litter.

He added: “Dorset Waste Partnership manages the refuse collection and I and other local councillors have frequently informed DWP of the need to improve the service. It also takes co-operation from the residents to use the ‘seagull proof’ bags which DWP will provide.”I shall be suggesting to DWP that they have one of their management meetings on Portland, so they can see for themselves why councillors see a need to improve the service.”

A spokesman for Dorset Waste Partnership said: “We would like to remind residents that rubbish should only be put out for collection in the correct containers as authorised by DWP. Side waste, such as black bags of rubbish left next to bins, will not be collected by our crews. If the Recycle for Dorset service is used correctly, there should be enough space in the provided bins, boxes, blue bags, etc for the average household’s waste.

“Any residents that feel they need additional capacity, and are using the service correctly, should contact us so we can work with them to help find a solution.”

To apply for additional waste capacity, visit dorsetforyou.gov.uk/recyclefordorset/exceptions.