I’m furious over grim rat-infested alleyway behind my house – it’s full of rubbish & 6ft weeds but no one will help

A PENSIONER has been left furious over a rat-infested alleyway behind his house.

Norman Greenwood, 83, said the path is full of discarded furniture, broken glass and six-foot weeds which loom over his back garden.

He has even spotted RATS scurrying along the path, just yards from his home in Blackpool, Lancashire.

Norman says he has contacted the council but nothing has been done.

Instead, officers told him it is the homeowners’ obligation to keep the path clean and tidy, he says.

Norman, who used to repair vending machines, said: "The council say it’s an unadopted road and our responsibility.

"They say the road belongs to us but that’s never been the case.

"They expect us just to take their word for it, but the road is not on our house deeds."

Norman said the back street is now completely overgrown and becoming worse by the day.

He added: "Now we are into summer, the weeds are growing faster than ever.

"How can the council leave it like that? It is disgusting. The weeds are higher than my back wall and it is impossible to walk down there.

"It has become a dumping ground with people now fly tipping too.

"There is broken glass everywhere and someone could easily cut themselves. It is really dangerous.

"I have rheumatism in my hands so I can’t start clearing the area. I can’t be doing that at my age."

Norman - who has lived at the house all his life - said: "The council used to clear it once a year.

"What if there is a fire in my house? I can’t get out at the back now.

"I’ve seen rats down there and I’m worried they might come to the house. I am upset by it all.

"The council are just not interested."

Blackpool Council has been contacted for comment.