A Barkingside resident has slammed Redbridge Council for leaving gardens to look like “the land that time forgot”.

Clive Nash, of Burford Close, said the council has not responded to his requests for the lawns to be cut.

He said: “Our garden is like a field, it’s an absolute mess and I have phoned and asked them to come round so many times.

“For the amount they charge it seems like we’re getting very, very little in return.”

Redbridge council charges its tenants in Burford Close �38.23 a year for maintenance.

The fee is based on estimates of costs from the previous year and bills “reflecting the services received” are also sent out.

Mr Nash, 62, said a maintenance worker also accidentally strimmed the heads off his neighbour’s flowers and cut into a garden table.

A council spokesman said wet weather had made it “difficult” for maintenance teams to work to their normal schedule.

He added: “We are hoping to resolve these issues urgently.”