A woman has revealed her “disgusting” local area where rubbish floods the streets daily – and has dubbed it “Ratland”.
Olivia Virag, 55, is “ashamed” to call the East London town her home due to its “excessive” littering problem.
The librarian describes the streets of Becontree Heath, near Dagenham, as “third-world” and “inhumane”.
And while she’s pleading with the council to sort out the issue, she claims to have been “ignored” and says that the whole borough is “progressively deteriorating”.
So much so that she has now dubbed the town “Ratland” as the area is seeing an influx in rodents scurrying around daily.
“Rats are very common here,” she told Need To Know.
“Recently, a high street shop had to shut down due to a rodent infestation.
“It’s disgusting and makes me feel so dirty.
“I feel like my home is quickly being taken away from me.
“The initial sense of security and pride of being a homeowner has completely evaporated.
“I never invite guests round, as I’m too ashamed for them to see where I live.
“The state of the borough – and my immediate neighbourhood – has had a significant impact on my well-being, especially my mental health.
“It’s not just declining the value of our properties, which is bad enough, but it feels like we’re living in a third-world country.
“People are leaving the area in their droves if they can afford to do so.
“It’s disheartening to see a place I used to love calling home turning into a giant tipping ground.”
Olivia moved to the area five years ago and says it was “pleasant” and “clean”.
When lockdown restrictions were lifted, though, that’s when the issues began – and she puts this down to a lack of respect.
She said: “It’s a combination of residents’ carelessness and shop owners’ irresponsibility.
“I don’t understand it; people just don’t seem to care about their own front gardens, doorsteps or streets.
“There’s a daily flood of rubbish everywhere.
“I strongly believe that a messy, untidy and careless environment attracts antisocial behaviour and gives people the green light to do whatever they want.
“Especially as there’s no accountability or fear of the consequences.”
Olivia says the biggest culprits for littering are school children, as well as overflowing bins, which ultimately spread rubbish across the street.
In 2023, she complained to her local council about the “general neglect“ of the area, before escalating this to her local MP.
Since then, she’s tried to work with schools and the council on campaigns, though sadly, this hasn’t had any impact.
In November 2024, the librarian took to social media to “expose” the state of the area and currently has 1,000 signatures on a petition calling on the council to take action.
For now, Olivia has taken matters into her own hands and organises monthly litter-picking events
She added: “I just hope we can restore some normality.
“We are shouting for help – but it’s like no one can hear us.
“The bins are insufficient, so people dump their rubbish wherever they can.
“Council waste collection is lengthy – often up to six weeks – so unwanted furniture and other items are just abandoned on street corners.
“And they can do this without consequences, as there’s no fines, or accountability.
“The council need to rethink their priorities and take control of this issue that’s making Dagenham a living nightmare.”
Jam Press has contacted Barking and Dagenham council for comment.
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