An epileptic woman fears for her and her neighbours’ health after claiming rubbish containing needles and squirming with maggots was left uncollected for months.

Toni Cox, of Aldriche Way in Highams Park, said the bins are in a narrow road on an estate, but claims contractor Kier made only one collection since September.

This left the 54-year-old having to haul bags to another collection point and, after recently finding needles in the rubbish, she fears she may be injured.

She said: "I’ve said to the council ‘what happens if I stab myself on a needle’?

"It’s made me ill through stress. I’ve been getting seizure after seizure. It’s disgusting though. The rubbish has all come round the front of our building."

Her sister, Anne, was visiting when she saw the bins for herself.

She said: "It absolutely stinks, it’s horrendous over there."

Miss Cox said she has made nearly 50 calls to the council about the problem but despite promises of action, nothing has been done.

She added: "I’ve had enough. There’s kids going round there playing and one of them is going to get hurt. It’s dangerous but it’s still not been moved.

"Someone needs to take action. It’s not our job to help out, it’s about the contractors doing their job."

The bins were finally collected earlier this week but Miss Cox said she had to stand in front of the truck to get the driver’s attention.

The council has been approached for comment.