ANGRY residents are demanding regular maintenance of a garden plot which has been left to become overgrown.

It is one of five plots on Millbrook Street in Lower Darwen which back on to the River Darwen.

But people living nearby are concerned about the overgrown and rubbish-strewn state of the garden which they said has been neglected for over a year.

Blackburn with Darwen Council, which owns the plots, which are rented out, said it was making arrangements for the garden plot to be cleared in the coming weeks.

It said it will then be offered to the first person on the waiting list.

The plots have been used by residents living in the terraced houses nearby for decades.

Jean Kennedy, who lives on Millbrook Street, said: “I have been complaining on behalf of the community about a neglected and untidy allotment/garden on Millbrook Street for the whole of 2018 and it’s still a mess.

“These gardens were obviously designed for people in the terraced houses who have no gardens.

“When residents have rung up to ask about renting one they have been put off by being told that there is a long waiting list for them.”

Ms Kennedy said the person renting the plot left at the end of 2017 and it has lain vacant since then.

The plots on Millbrook Street lie near to the River Darwen Parkway and Higher Croft Woods and are popular with dog walkers.

She added: “Now this plot has been left so long they are saying it’s difficult to let.

“Meanwhile residents of Millbrook Street and dog walkers must continue to look at the mess, not to mention the fear of vermin breeding in the rubbish.”

Resident Delwin Billington, who also lives on Millbrook Street, said: “I’ve lived on Millbrook Street for 40 years and the garden plots have been here since I’ve been here.

“All of the other plots are beautiful and well-kept and sadly this one plot is overgrown and in a horrible state.

“No one seems to be doing anything about it and I hope it’s tidied up soon and that someone can take it on as it really is a mess.

A council spokesman said: “The council is making arrangements for this garden plot to be cleared in the coming weeks.

“It will then be offered to the first person on the waiting list. “