NEWPORT dustmen had to make two rounds of rubbish collection in Caerleon yesterday because of the build-up caused by last Wednesday's council workers' strike.

Residents were furious following the usual early morning collection beca-use only the green bins had been emptied - and full rubbish bags were left lining the streets.

But a Newport council spokeswoman said a second collection was being made later in the day for the bags.

Concerned residents had telephoned the Argus yesterday morning worried that by next Wednesday there would be a further two weeks' worth of rubbish to collect, because one week's worth was left behind.

Mike Denmark, (pictured) of Parkwood Close, said: "Anything that wasn't in a bin was left, but there was a whole week's worth of extra rubbish there. I'm really annoyed."

Peter Davies, aged 64, of Caesar Crescent, had the same problem. Mr Davies said: "There are black bags everywhere. It's disgusting.They are smelling already because we've had the hot weather."

And Alan Whittaker, aged 60, of Hazel Walk, said he had left a black bag of refuse on top of his bin because the lid would not shut with it inside, but that was taken off and left. Many council workers across Gwent and the rest of the country went on strike last Wednesday meaning services such as refuse collection were either stopped completely or were run at a limited level.

Members of Unison, the GMB and the TGWU were striking in protest at a three per cent pay increase.

They are demanding an increase of six per cent, and union members are threatening more strikes in August.