Fly-tipped rubbish in an alley is a health risk say people living in surrounding roads.

The rubbish, dumped behind homes in New Southgate, includes asbestos and has become a breeding ground for rats which parents fear will cause harm to their children.

The pile of waste behind houses in Evesham Road and Hastings Road has built up during the last two years after squatters in homes in Telford Road threw rubbish over the back of gardens into the alley.

Jasia Mohmood, who lives in Evesham Road, said: “I just don’t think it’s fair. We didn’t put the rubbish there so why should we be responsible for picking it up.

“It’s been there for such a long time now and the council just say it is our responsibility. We lock the gate at night but people break in and just keep dumping stuff there.

“We’re all worried about the health risks to the kids because there’s some dangerous stuff being dumped which could cause them harm.”

People living in the street have contacted Enfield Council about the waste, but as it is not on council land the waste has to be sorted by home owners.

Kathleen Pedrides, 68, whose home in Hastings gardens also backs onto the rubbish said: “It’s just so bad now out the back. There are rats in there now and they’re coming into my garden.

“It’s horrible to have it behind your house. Why should we have to clear up this rubbish when it’s not even our fault?

“None of it is our rubbish but it has been dumped on us and it’s not fair we should have to clear it.”

The group have also been in contact with Notting Hill Housing, which now own the houses in Telford Road, asking for help clearing the waste which came from the homes while squatters where in them.

A spokeswoman for Notting Hill said: “Notting Hill Housing has recently completed the refurbishment of the homes along Telford Road which has incorporated the eviction of squatters, clearance of rear gardens and the alleyways directly behind these properties.

“The alleyways behind Telford Road are outside of our ownership and have been gated by the council which has helped but not eradicated the problems with flytipping in this area.

“Incidents of fly-tipping are still being reported and we understand this is an issue for residents.

“While the alleyways are owned by a third party, we have offered to work with the council to come up with a long term maintenance strategy for this area, involving ourselves, the council, the land owner and residents.”