Harrow Borough Council says that it is working with the residents of an Edgware street to resolve their flytipping problems.

The council is unable to clear North Parade, off Mollison Way, itself as it is a private road.

However, following the Harrow Times’ exposure of the problem, the council has pledged to help the residents address it.

Portfolio holder for environment and community safety, Councillor Phillip O'Dell, said: "On private land such as North Parade, Mollison Way, it is the responsibility of landowners and shopkeepers to arrange for the flytip to be cleared away. 

“Alley gates have been installed in North Parade. They restrict access to only residents and shop owners but this is reliant on the gates being properly shut by those who use them.

“It also does not protect against flytipping by people who have access to the road.

“The council is working with residents and shopkeepers in this road to help them to resolve this issue among themselves."

Cllr O’Dell’s comments come after the Harrow Times exposed the plight of 67-year-old Jan Graham.

Mrs Graham, and her 65-year-old husband Eric, have lived above a shop in North Parade, Mollison Way, Edgware, for 17 years.

However, eight years ago the whole block was divided up and sold. Since this happened, the road outside has become a dumping ground for everything from food waste to beer bottles.

Mrs Graham said: “It drives you mad. It is no way to live. I would like to move because it is just awful.

“All I want is for somebody to clear it up. I try to keep it clean myself but I am fighting a losing battle.

“We are too old for this now. I can’t believe it has been allowed to happen.

“I can’t bear it.”

Because the area looks so untidy already it has also started to attract flytippers from other areas.
It is also frequently abused by men who urinate against the walls.

Mrs Graham, who works part-time at Spitalfields Market, said: “It is disgusting and it is starting to pose a health risk.

“There are huge rats climbing all over the rubbish.”

She added: “All I want is to see it cleared up regularly. Either the landlords or the council have to do something about it.

“If things have got this bad here I can only imagine what it is like in other places.”