Birmingham's ongoing bin strike has resulted in "rats the size of cats" being attracted by the mountains of rubbish left on the streets, residents have warned. The three-week-long industrial action, stemming from a bitter dispute between the Labour-run Birmingham City Council and the Unite union, has left trash bags lining pavements and piling up outside homes.

With the refuse collectors on strike, the problem has escalated, attracting swarms of rats, some reportedly large enough to terrify cats. Mohammad Choudry, an Aston resident, said: "I looked at the rat, and for a brief few seconds I thought it was a cat.” He told the Telegraph: "They’re being fed so well they’re growing.

“The council needs to do something about it.

The piles are obstructing the pavement. An elderly lady had to walk on the road to avoid them.”

Residents like Mr Choudry and Sam Ali, whose sister's BMW was damaged by rats gnawing through the wires, have been left frustrated and angry by the council’s inaction.

Mr Ali said: “A week ago, the wires in my sister’s car were all eaten up by rats.

"It cost me £300 to fix – and it’s due to the rubbish.

"We’re paying our council tax, yet we can’t even get our bins collected. The council needs to sort this out."

The dispute centres on a decision by Birmingham City Council to eliminate the waste recycling and collection officer role, which union leaders claim has led to the loss of jobs and pay cuts.

As the bins continue to overflow, the city is facing a growing public health risk, with rats eager to take advantage of the ample food supply.

Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick last week launched a scathing attack on Labour MP Tahir Ali for backing a campaign to build an airport in Kashmir, while rubbish continues to pile high in Birmingham.

Responding to Mr Ali’s support for the Mirpur airport project, Mr Jenrick said: “You’re an MP for Birmingham, not Mirpur.”

He added: “The streets of your city are literally piled high in rubbish thanks to your Labour council. Focus on the UK.”

Tory shadow ministers, including Alex Burghart, the shadow cabinet office minister, and Kevin Hollinrake, the shadow housing secretary, have also weighed in, demanding that Deputy PM Angela Rayner take immediate steps to resolve the crisis.

Mr Burghart said: “It’s putting residents at risk. The longer this strike goes on, the more dangerous it becomes.”

Ms Rayner has been urged to push for the use of private contractors to break the unions’ grip on waste collection.

However, some residents have pointed out that the ongoing issue is a reflection of broader council mismanagement, with many questioning why action has been so slow.

With local elections looming in Birmingham on May 1, the strike and its ramifications are likely to be a key issue for voters.