A GROUP of Hitchin residents have claimed that they are being “ignored” and “pushed from pillar to post”, after petitioning to get their road properly cleaned-up and maintained.

Those living on the mobile home park in the Lucas Lane and Fosman Close area of the town have said that bushes, shrubbery and trees have been restricting access on the road they use to get to their homes, and causing damage to cars.

There are also claims of dog excrement, and bins not being cleaned out regularly, leading to flies and wasps.

A petition by residents has been sent to Herts County Council (HCC), with attempts also to speak to North Herts District Council (NHDC).

Resident Paul Milton, who has led the protest, told The Comet: “It’s becoming ridiculous now, we’ve had these problems for years.

“People are beginning to ask me what is happening about it, and I just don’t know what to tell them, because I’m not being told myself.

“The only access to the park is down that road, and it’s so overgrown. It’s difficult, and it’s caused damage to people’s cars.

“There’s also been a dog bin which wasn’t cleaned out for four weeks, so we got lots of flies and wasps hanging around.

“I’ve left messages; they are aware of the problems. It’s made me really angry.”

HCC acknowledged that it had received the petition, which was sent to its environment and commercial services department.

A spokesman added: “We received the petition in June and agreed that trimming the bushes along this public footpath would benefit walkers.

“This was arranged for the autumn, after the birds have finished nesting, and our contractor is scheduled to complete this work next week.”

NHDC, which did not receive a copy of the petition, has previously been in contact with Mr Milton and HCC and visited the site in question.

It urged other residents to get in contact with problems relating to bins.

Cllr Peter Burt, portfolio holder for waste, recycling and environment, said: “If a bin is not being emptied regularly we would certainly want residents to let us know by contacting us on 01462 474000, or by email at service@north-herts.gov.uk

“We are aware that the area around Lucas Lane is often used by dog walkers, and we are due to install another dog litter bin there in the near future.”