A man who says he has been forced to take it upon himself to maintain a “neglected” flowerbed, which is overgrown with weeds and become an “eyesore”, is calling on something to be done after years of inaction.

Oakhill Crescent, in Woodford Green, loops around a tree-filled green with the flowerbed located to one side.

Patrick Rowley, who has lived in the crescent since 1981, said for the last seven years he had tended to it himself.

The 81-year-old said: “I have complained bitterly about the flowerbed but nothing has been done.

“It is being neglected and it is a complete shambles, flower baskets along the main roads are looked after, so I don’t understand why our crescent should be any different.

“I have been weeding it and planting flowers there for years, the council cut the grass but just leave the flowerbed to overgrow.

“Every plant in there was planted by me.”

But Mr Rowley says his health has not allowed him to keep up the maintenance, sparking the need to go public with his grievance .

He said: “I have been ill recently so I can’t do it on my own and it is the council’s responsibility.

“I have rung the council several times and sent them letters but there has been no action.

“All we want is for it to be looked after.

"I have spoken to everyone in the crescent and they all agree so we are looking at options on what to do.

“I like our crescent very much, it is a convenient location for the station and buses, but this flowerbed has become an eyesore.”

Waltham Forest council has been contacted for comment.