An alleyway dubbed "mattress mountain" that was so clogged with rubbish its stench made locals feel sick has finally been cleaned up.

Harrow Council spent hours clearing up a service road off Wealdstone High Street that had become a hotspot for dumping. 

The alley was popularly known as "mattress mountain", as pictures showed several mattresses piled high on top of each other. 

Residents said persistent fly-tipping in the area left it resembling a "slum" and the "awful stench" would put people off visiting. 

Simon Joshua, from a local neighbourhood watch group, suggested measures such as more bins, as well as fences and CCTV cameras, could help address the issue. 

He said: "This spot has always been an issue because there simply aren’t enough bins. People see there’s rubbish there so they dump their own – what’s an extra couple of bags on top of 50?

"The stench is absolutely awful, it made me feel a bit sick. It looks like a slum and it makes me sad because everyone coming out of [Harrow and Wealdstone] station will see that.

"We’ve tried to put planters in the area and take some pride in it. But you think ‘what’s the point?’ when you see things like that."

Mr Joshua added he appreciates the pressures the council is under and said he understands how rubbish collection can be difficult when things reach such a state. 

There are hopes that the area will improve now the site has been cleared, with Wealdstone also designated as an area for investment. 

A Harrow Council spokesperson said: "Fly-tipping is disgusting and done by those who have no respect for their neighbourhoods. 

"While the council is already carrying out days of action and enforcement work to take on offenders of fly-tipping, we want to do more to send a stronger message. 

"We are working on a strategy to take tougher enforcement action as well as engage with businesses, landowners and residents on good waste management."