Harrow Borough Council has apologised for failing to empty the bins outside a block of flats in Stanmore - for a second time.

An elderly couple living in the Elizabeth Gardens block have complained repeatedly that their bins have not been emptied.

In a statement the council said: “Our collection team visited Elizabeth Gardens on Saturday 2 February and collected from the bin storage area.

“We will be revisiting Elizabeth Gardens on February 8 to remove any excess waste.

“We understand that delays to the service can be frustrating and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

Colin Gray, 76, complained to Harrow Borough Council after Christmas because the bins outside his flat 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.

However, last Friday the rubbish trucks again failed to appear meaning that it is now two weeks

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

Mr Gray, who has lived on the street for 30 years, said: “It has happened again. 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.”