After a month without bin collections, that's what residents of Holmbank Avenue are faced with.

The Shawlands street has been hit by an unofficial work-to-rule by some of Glasgow city council's refuse staff, objecting to a new four days on, four days off contract.

GMB organiser Martin Doran said the bin men's work-to-rule includes refusing to partake in "unsafe work practices" which have built up over the years and instead working to the letter of their contracts.

This includes refusing to double-park collection vehicles, not picking up bins if the lids are not fully closed, and not collecting any bags which are placed beside, rather than inside, bins.

But for resident Joanne Davis, the reality of what GCC terms "operational difficulties" from the action is causing a real stink.

She told The Extra: "Our last uplift was on October 24, so there is four weeks of rubbish piled up in the back garden.

"I am extremely worried about rodents – I keep thinking a rat will run out at me.

"I'm worried elderly people in the block are risking infection or may slip on the rubbish strewn around if they go out back".

Mrs Davis (40) has made three official complaints but said: "Not once have I been told what's actually going on. It was only when I contacted my councillor, Archie Graham, that I found out about the work-to-rule".

The Extra has also received reports from Pollokshields and a resident in Shawhill Road. With bad weather conditions in the past week, rubbish has even been blown out to litter Langside Avenue and Minard Road.

Pollokshields councillor David Meikle revealed GCC has drafted in other staff from Land and Environmental Services to help clear the backlog – but Joanne says there is an additional problem with access to Holmbank Avenue.

She said: "The men used to jump over the fence from Cartha Street. They've now stopped doing that and need to be buzzed in and let out the back door.

"They've said they have a problem in that no-one answers the buzzer for the block – but we've all been listening out for them and no-one has heard it.

"I've even offered to take the bins through the close myself and leave them out at the front – but I've been told they won't be collected".

Meanwhile the advice from GCC is to "ensure your bins are presented at the correct place, at the appropriate time and with the bin lid fully closed".