Desperate Deliveroo riders ‘pooing in public while waiting to collect food orders’

Deliveroo riders are allegedly using bushes as “public toilets” while waiting to collect orders in Salford, it has been claimed.

A witness alleges to have seen employees defecating and urinating outside the firm’s Deliveroo Editions unit.

He claims to have even found “a Tesco bag full of poo and toilet roll” in greenery on Ordsall Lane – which is now plagued by an “overpowering smell of urine”.

The witness, who works nearby, says the problem started in March last year when the restaurant and public toilets closed due to the pandemic.

And the issue has allegedly become a “major problem’” due to the mess in the area.

The online food delivery company opened its “takeaway factory” at The Foundry in Salford in 2018.

Made up of nine kitchen pods, the Deliveroo Editions site allows customers to order from delivery-only brands.

Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, the 32-year-old witness, who did not wish to give his name, said: “They moved into the unit a few years ago and since then there have been problems with the drivers.

“There’s a lot of littering on the site and reckless driving.

“Since they closed all the takeaway toilets and public toilets they’ve been urinating in bushes and doorways.

“We litter pick every fortnight because we have clients coming in and it looks a mess. A few times, I’ve found human faeces.

“I also found a Tesco bag full of poo and toilet roll.”

He added he can no longer walk down a public footpath on the river bank due to the smell.

Following a complaint to Deliveroo, he claims a sign was placed on the door of the kitchen saying employees could use the toilets inside.

Despite this, he alleges there has been no change.

He continued: “Not only is it a disgusting environment for the other businesses that use the site, but also a serious health and safety issue.

“I spoke to Deliveroo before Christmas and I got a generic reply saying they would sort it out but nothing has changed.

“It still stinks of p*** and there’s still used toilet roll appearing probably weekly or fortnightly.

“We’ve had to wash the front door because it stinks and we have clients coming in and out. It’s just not good.

“It’s disappointing and it’s quite sad to see.”

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A spokesman for Deliveroo said: “Deliveroo takes rider conduct and food hygiene extremely seriously and has strict policies in place for when riders are working with Deliveroo.

“We are investigating the incident, and in the meantime have issued clear communications to all our riders in the Salford area reiterating our hygiene policies. We have reached out to The Foundry for more details.”