So bad is the situation that local lawmakers declared a “major incident” this month in the city, where some residents say their quality of life is worse than in developing countries and hold it up as an example of “Broken Britain” — which is how some describe the perceived widespread social decay of the U.K. and the breakdown of public services in the country.

“You’re not getting little rats anymore,” Charlie Wilson, 31, said as she sat on her front porch. “They’re getting cat-size.” She added that the smell — which has only gotten worse as spring temperatures have risen — was making her sick.

  • lazynooblet@lazysoci.al
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    2 days ago

    They striked in my town a few years ago. There wasn’t any litter on my street as we were still able to put the trash in the car and take it to the refuse dump ourselves. It was an inconvenience but you shouldn’t just leave the trash outside to fester. I ended up taking mine and my 2 neighbours trash as they are both elderly.

    • federal reverse@feddit.orgM
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      2 days ago

      Some frustrated Birmingham residents have taken the problem into their own hands by driving to the Tyseley waste facility, where the strikes are ongoing, or other waste pits near the area to dispose of their garbage.

      But Abdul Sami, 37, said that doing so requires residents to book a slot online and that so many had come up with the same plan that now hardly any slots are available to the public.

      • lazynooblet@lazysoci.al
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        2 days ago

        That’s unfortunate. My issue was pre COVID. They introduced booking requirements during COVID and kept the policy in place. Lame.

      • pulsey@feddit.org
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        2 days ago

        I wouldnt be surprised if someone is getting all the slots and then sells them.

  • tal@lemmy.today
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    3 days ago

    “You’re not getting little rats anymore,” Charlie Wilson, 31, said as she sat on her front porch. “They’re getting cat-size.”

    Birmingham foxes, owls, and badgers were enthusiastic about the situation.

    • floofloof
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      3 days ago

      Would you rather fight one cat-sized rat or about 3(?) rat-sized cats?

      • Fingolfinz@lemmy.world
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        2 days ago

        You’re just describing kittens, I’d take the kittens. I’ve seen a rat nearly the size of a cat before and would rather not experience that again

        • floofloof
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          2 days ago

          Well I guess that was an easy question. But maybe don’t fight the kittens. Just snuggle them.

  • BilboBargains@lemmy.world
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    2 days ago

    The English are slowly fading into obscurity. They became hugely powerful during the hegemonic colonial era and that shine diminishes relentlessly year on year. These people cannot change and have consistently failed to take the necessary action to reform. Ironic that they took the word ‘reform’ to create a party that attracts reactionaries and racists to lead them backwards into obscurity. Good luck English people, you will need it.