By JOEL SAWYER

RESIDENTS in Old Hall have hit out at their housing association over decaying leaves which they claim are clogging up their pathways.

Ross Close still has leaves dating back four years degrading on its paths, say residents Peter O'Dea and Tom Loughlan.

They believe the unsightly collection is a hazard for elderly neighbours, with the slippy leaves posing a threat of a fall.

Although responsibility for the upkeep of the area generally lies with their housing association, Grosvenor, the borough council is in charge of the highways.

Mr O'Dea, who has lived on the close for nine years, said: "It's a mess and I'm sick of it. The leaves are piling up to the houses and could even cause damp at this rate."

Dave Evans, Grosvenor Housing Association's area general manager said: "Grosvenor takes all complaints regarding the standard of services provided to tenants extremely seriously.

"In the case of Ross Close, we have already met with those tenants who have voiced concerns about the estate and are confident that they will see improvements shortly to the communal lawn and shrub areas, as well as to private plots.

"Much of the work to prune trees and clear leaves that has been requested had already been scheduled for this time of year and will be taking place over the coming weeks.

"Additional improvements, such as the thinning out of trees, had also been planned and will be undertaken following further consultations with residents."

A spokesperson for the borough council said: "Leaves on roads and footpaths are a constant problem at this time of year all over the borough.

"The council is dealing with many calls from people concerned about leaves and officers are out there attending to a build up of leaves in specific areas. We have sent a technical assistant to look at the issues raised in Ross Close."