RESIDENTS of one of Kendal's historic yards say that overflowing rubbish bins are encouraging the spread of vermin which could cause health problems among homeowners.

A combination of the introduction of fortnightly rubbish collection by South Lakeland District Council and a lack of bins is resulting in a plague of problems in Dr Manning's Yard including clouds of flies and rats, according to householders.

Resident Ron Fisher said: "One of the neighbours has seen rats running about and another said he opened the bin and a massive cloud of bluebottles flew out. On hot days the bins smell so bad it is almost unbearable."

Fellow resident Russell Whittle said that just one extra bin would make a big difference to the appearance of the yard.

Mr Fisher said that the yard was a destination for tourists and he was concerned that the state of the bins was giving visitors the wrong impression of the town.

"This is a historic yard which is on the tourist trail and a lot of people come down to take photographs. The other week a party of Japanese tourists came down and I could see them looking at the overflowing bins," said Mr Fisher.

A spokesman for SLDC's recycling department said he had paid a visit to the yard to assess the situation.

"The residents are not helping themselves by not using the kerbside recycling service which has been provided and we will be issuing letters to them shortly," he said.