Residents report the trash pile ups have led to rats the size of "small cats" invading homes and destroying cars.

Rat infestations have been reported in parts of the city as the rodents have enjoyed feasting on the fallout of the row, which is over plans to downgrade some staff and reduce their pay.

One resident told the BBC he had trapped 17 rats in two months Refuse workers are set to begin an indefinite walk out as residents fear bin strikes are exacerbating a city's rat problem.