An elderly couple say they are becoming exasperated because the bins outside their Stanmore flat are repeatedly being left to overflow.

Colin Gray, 76, complained to Harrow Borough Council after Christmas because the bins outside his flat in Elizabeth Gardens were only emptied once between December 22 and January 11.

At the time the council apologised and offered to give the area around the bins a thorough clean.

Last Friday rubbish trucks again failed to appear meaning that it is now two weeks since the bins were emptied.

As a result, they are overflowing, leaving the ground littered with everything from food waste to used nappies.

Mr Gray, who has lived in the street for 30 years, said: “It is becoming exasperating.

“What can you do? All the other flats in this street seem to have their bins collected, we just get missed out.

“It is getting on our nerves. We keep complaining to the council but I am getting sceptical about their excuses.”

The Harrow Times is awaiting a comment from Harrow Borough Council.