Local Residents Frustrated as Rubbish Piles Up Near University

Mountains of rubbish are accumulating outside student housing near the University of the West of England’s Frenchay campus in South Gloucestershire, causing significant distress among local residents. The overflowing waste has become a persistent problem for people living in areas such as Cheswick Village, Scholars Chase, and Stoke Park, leading some to consider relocating due to health concerns and deteriorating living conditions.

Residents report that inadequate action from South Gloucestershire Council has contributed to growing rodent issues, compelling some neighbors to put their homes on the market. Sejal Hampson, a resident of the affected area, expressed her frustration, stating, “A lack of enforcement by the council has meant that the estate, over time, has looked worse and worse from a litter and waste management perspective.” She noted that the situation has started to take a toll on residents’ mental health, making them feel increasingly uncomfortable in their own neighborhood.

Hampson, who moved to the area 14 years ago, acknowledged that she anticipated some challenges living in a student-populated district. However, she has observed a marked decline in conditions over the past five years. “People are getting frustrated, getting very mentally down about the issues around the area, embarrassed when visitors turn up,” she said. This has led to some residents choosing to sell their properties and leave rather than endure the ongoing chaos.

Photos shared with Bristol Live illustrate the extent of the problem, showing heaps of rotting rubbish spilling out of bins and into the streets. Hampson raised concerns about the increasing number of Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) being approved in the area, despite regulations meant to control their proliferation. The neighborhood falls under Stoke Park and Cheswick Ward, which requires planning consent for converting single homes into HMOs.

Wood Mead in Cheswick Village has been particularly hard hit by rubbish accumulation, yet the road is not listed on the council’s fly-tipping reporting portal. This has forced residents to select the nearest street and describe the issue instead, complicating the reporting process.

While Hampson expressed irritation at the University of the West of England’s inconsistent communication regarding the matter, her primary concern lies with the council’s lack of effective response. She noted that freedom of information inquiries revealed the council had not issued any Community Protection Warnings or Notices related to waste management in the area from January 2024 to February 2025.

In response, a spokesperson for South Gloucestershire Council stated, “We are aware of concerns regarding waste management in Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in this area. We take all reports seriously and understand the impact that waste-related issues can have on our residents’ wellbeing.” The council emphasized its commitment to monitoring waste presentation and taking necessary enforcement actions.

They also acknowledged that they have seen improvements in waste management in the Filton area in recent years, thanks to ongoing engagement and enforcement efforts. “We encourage residents to report any further concerns so they can be investigated,” the spokesperson added.

In correspondence with local residents, a director from UWE confirmed plans to meet with the community on September 4, 2025, to discuss the situation ahead of the new academic year.

Looking ahead, the council’s decision to reduce black bin collections to every three weeks starting in May 2026 raises additional worries for residents. Hampson articulated her concerns, stating, “I’m worried about it in May. If we’re not getting the council enforcing HMO license regulations around waste now, when we move to household waste being collected every three weeks, this is just going to go from bad to worse.”

As a parent, she is particularly concerned about environmental health, expressing unease about the presence of rodents, including a recent incident where a neighbor found a dead rat in their garden. “I want people to have a sense of pride,” Hampson added, emphasizing the need for immediate action to restore order to the community.