Residents in Birmingham's Lozells ward have voiced their fury over a persistent rubbish crisis as the local elections on May 7, 2026, draw near. The inner-city area is grappling with severe problems, including massive piles of bin bags, fly-tipping hotspots, and drug-related concerns.
Jane Majid, a 58-year-old resident, described the situation as "diabolical," recounting how she has seen "rats as big as cats" in her garden. "This has been going on for years and years and years," she said. "It's not nice living here - it's embarrassing when you have relatives coming round."
The ongoing bins strike, now in its second year, has exacerbated waste problems across the ward. Another resident complained: "We are paying our council tax and for what? It's disgusting - it's really terrible."
Independent candidate Rafael Costa is among those aiming to capitalize on voter frustration with Labour's decade-long control of Birmingham City Council. "Everyone's tired of the situation they live in," he stated.
Labour's Samarah Zaffar, sister of the late councillor Waseem Zaffar, is running to continue her brother's work. Her campaign promises include 'clean streets that stay clean' and reducing crime.
The council has stated it is no longer 'bankrupt' and has allocated an extra £130 million for frontline services, including tackling fly-tipping.
