Sheffield city centre is facing an "epidemic" of overflowing commercial bins that is driving away visitors and attracting rats, according to local residents.

The issue has reached a "highpoint" in the city centre, with businesses leaving wheeled bins on pavements and streets, creating environmental problems and obstacles for pedestrians.

Peter Sephton, from the city centre residents group ChangingSheff, says urgent council action is needed to address the growing problem.

"You only have to walk round the city centre to see them, its an epidemic," said Sephton. "They are left out all the time and when they are full, people throw litter on top or nearby and it accumulates."

The issue is attracting rats, residents have said

The situation poses particular challenges for those with visual impairments, he noted.

The problem comes as Sheffield Council aims to increase city centre residents from 27,000 to 35,000 by 2030 to bring "vitality" back to the area.

Sephton has proposed a straightforward solution to tackle the bin problem.

He suggests placing large labels on bins displaying the user's name and contact number, allowing members of the public to report issues directly.

The problem comes as Sheffield Council aims to increase city centre residents

Bins without proper contact details could face confiscation, he proposed.

"The city council said it is dealing with it but it seems to cut across many different apartments. Putting a label on the bin so citizens could make the call would save them time and money," Sephton added.

Sheffield City Council has established a special project group to address what Councillor Joe Otten, chair of waste and street scene policy committee, calls a "complex issue."

"We want to support businesses as much as we can so that the city centre always looks inviting, clean and tidy," said Otten.

Many bins are filled to the brim (file pic)

The project group will unite various teams including licensing, planning, environmental services, and commercial bin providers.

The council acknowledges some businesses face difficulties storing bins on their premises.

In Sheffield, responsibility for street cleanliness is shared between the city council and private contractor Amey.

Multiple companies handle bin collections in the city centre, with council contractor Veolia and several other waste removal firms managing both residential and commercial bins.