Neighbours and business owners have had enough of what they call “terrible” rubbish collection which has caused a rat infestation.

People living and working in Station Road, Cockfosters, say waste has been piling up for two years because of irregular collections by binmen,.

They say only three bins serve around 150 residents of flats on the road.

Roger Bliss, who has lived on the street since 1986, claims he has contacted Enfield Council “untold times” and even written to his MP, David Burrowes, but says the problem is continuing.

He said: “We had an almighty rat infestation which myself and two other shopkeepers had to deal with, at the moment it is at bay.

“The pest control team from the council have been down, the guy they sent has been amazing and helpful. But there is only so much they can do when the rest of the council seem to ignore them. No-one is taking any notice.

“The dustmen will not take the rubbish and I am not sure why, no-one is taking any notice, it just seems like they skim around trying to get home as quickly as possible. The shops from all the way up the road use the bins, it causes them to be full.”

Chris Georgiou, who owns Rafael’s Bakery on Station Parade, said the rat problem has been temporarily solved after they put down poison, but the rubbish remains.

He said: “People dump everything in this alley. With our fresh food, we are constantly working to get rid of the rubbish.

“It has been ongoing for years, not enough is being done for so many people living here. We need collections on more days, and more bins for the road.”

Enfield Council have been contacted for comment.