THE local authority should "force" a flats management company to change the way it disposes of waste, a councillor has said.

Enforcement notices have already been served on tenants of the flats in St Mary Road after rubbish was repeatedly left lying in the street and action is now to be taken against the management company, according to Cllr Saima Mahmud.

But in an email sent to residents, council officers and the Guardian, the Hoe Street ward councillor stated the company should be "forced" to change the way rubbish is dealt with in the area around the flats.

"It is completely unacceptable that this situation has yet to be resolved, especially after the many complaints and reminders from concerned residents, the Walthamstow Village Residents' Association and ward councillors," she said.

"It is a worry that even after taking enforcement action and following the procedures that are in place, officers have been unable to get the tenants and managing company to change."

Resident Sigi Dlabal, who lives in nearby Bishop's Close, has been complaining about the problem since 2006 and has even written to local MP Neil Gerrard.

She said: "I have repeatedly pointed out in my many letters that this is also a health and safety issue with all the rubbish dumped in the back of the flats.

"There are many young mothers and their children living in St Mary Road and in the surrounding area."

Cllr Mahmud added that she plans to pursue the matter with enforcement manager for environmental services Gareth Jones.