RETAILERS in York are calling for action to tackle problems with commercial waste in the city centre.

Members of York Retail Forum voiced concerns at their latest meeting over problems surrounding the aesthetics and obstruction caused by rubbish left in the streets overnight.

Frank Wood, chairman of the Retail Forum, said: “We seem to have a problem in the city centre with rubbish.

“The big problem is the fact that a lot of companies contract their collections to the early hours of the morning, so leave their rubbish out on a night ready to be collected.

“People out in the city have a few drinks and end up kicking it all over the city.”

Retailers also raised concerns about the number of collections, with vehicles “clogging up the streets” throughout the morning, posing a danger to pedestrians, and putting off potential shoppers.

Shopkeepers described rubbish as being more of an obstruction than A-boards, claiming it is “disgraceful” that businesses are allowed to leave it in the street.

One shop manager said: “This city is not ready for business until 10.30/11am.

“I think its appalling we allow rubbish to be piled up on the street.

“I know York is a medieval city but we cannot have medieval values.”

Retail forum members called for time restrictions to be placed on rubbish collection, as are imposed in other areas of the country, and better collections services for small businesses that don’t have access to large bins.

Mr Wood added: “It we want to even think about creating and promoting any kind of evening economy in the city centre we have to get rid of the rubbish piled up everywhere.”