Community members have raised concerns about the noise and rubbish left on a street “full of takeaways” at night.
Sneinton Dale business owners and residents have called for changes to the street many spend their nights on the street known for its wide variety of food stalls.
Some have called it a “takeaway alley” and other street shopkeepers have said they have to lock their trash cans at night or find them overcrowded the morning after.
Residents have also expressed frustration as their daily routine is to pick up the rubbish left by dinner on their doorstep.
Mike Konstandi has been part of the family-run Fish and Chips Georgios store in Sneinton Dale since 1975.
He said there were “too many” food stalls that were open late at night.
Mr. Konstandi, now business owner, 52, added: “We are open until 9:15 pm while other businesses stay open until later, such as around 11pm.
“I can’t imagine how difficult it is for local residents to endure the noise.
“It’s like a takeaway at night – it’s worrying.
“There is nothing else here – just takeaways.
“I’ve been here for 45 years and it’s getting worse.
“I also feel that some takeaways attract a specific clientele.
“We’re established, we’ve been here for decades, and our customers are respectful.
“I can’t say that about other customers who have their food in their car late at night and then throw the garbage out the window.
“It’s takeaway after takeaway – and at night it just becomes a hotspot for noise and rubbish.”
Sam Hussain, 54, an employee at Papa’s Wok, said he is no stranger to the subject.
He added, “This street is hardcore at night.
“We saw it, but luckily not with our food.
“Our food is not something to take away that you can just eat it on the street.
“People usually sit when they are eating.
“But we had to lock our trash cans because people threw their rubbish everywhere at night.”
Resident Cassandra Denova of Barnston Road, 22, said she got used to picking up trash outside her house in the morning.
She added, “I live in the area and people always make a big mess.
“They throw their rubbish everywhere.
Sneinton Dale just after 10 p.m.
(Image: Olimpia Zagnat)
“The noise is also a problem.
“There is always rubbish in front of my house and the residents have to pick it up every morning.
“People should be cleaner and more responsible.”
It’s not all bad, however, as one resident said he was “spoiled for choice” every time he wanted something to take away.
Taxi driver Tariq Haroon, 44, added, “Sometimes I see garbage on the street and yes, sometimes people are noisy.
“But I love Sneinton and I think it’s great that we have so much diversity.
“I love having so many takeaways.
“I feel like I’m always spoiled for choice – I absolutely love them.”
Mr. Haroon has lived in Sneinton for 25 years and added, “It’s great to see young people make the most of this area.
“Sometimes they’re loud at night – but they’re young, they’re just having fun.
“The noise isn’t every night – but the garbage could be avoided.”
Dales Ward Alderman David Mellen, who has lived in Sneinton for 30 years, added, “It’s important to see both sides of it as takeaways wouldn’t exist if they didn’t have customers.
A general view of Takeaway Alley.
(Image: Olimpia Zagnat)
“There are some customers who visit Sneinton to buy their food stalls.
“There are also those who live locally and use the takeaways.”
Addressing concerns about noise in the late hours, Mr. Mellen added, “Some people have tried to stay awake until midnight and we have successfully countered.
“We know that there are people in the area who have to go to work early the next day and children who have to go to school the next day.
“It’s not fair that they have noise after 11pm.
“As a local council, one of our five promises to local people in the last election two years ago was to oppose the hot snack because we think we have enough and because of the garbage problem.
“And we also want to create a balance within the community.
“There are people who want to buy and trade other things, for example from bakers.
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“There is a dessert shop called Scoops that has something different for people.
“I think people want variety – they don’t want much of the same.
“And obviously there are some stores like Pak Food and Co-op that people go to for basic needs.
“We have to balance the need for people in the area, but with local businesses they have to be compatible with the region.”
When asked how the local council intends to approach the problem, Mr. Mellen added: “We are not in favor of more takeaways.
“At the moment there is no place to sit and have a cup of tea or coffee, for example, and I think creativity is required.”
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