A COUPLE plagued by regular fly-tipping at their farm say the problem has grown so bad emergency services can no longer access their home.

John and Jill Brydon, who live off Epping Road, in Epping Green, claim every month they have to clean up rubbish dumped in the middle of the access road to their house.

Mrs Brydon, 78, said: “It's been going on for years, but it's been much worse in the last couple. Three years ago was the first time when we were totally blocked in.

“The worst thing is a fire engine or ambulance wouldn't be able to get up in an emergency.

“My husband fell down the stairs just before Christmas. It wasn't life-threatening, but he cracked a rib and broke his wrists. I had to go down the lane and clear the stuff. If it had been a heart attack or a fire it would have stopped the ambulance from coming through.”

The latest dump down the Brydons' lane included two push chairs, broken glass and a distinctive child's pink electronic car.

Mrs Brydon said: “You name it, it's been dumped. In spring the contents of a whole kitchen were there. We get mattresses, four foot tall gas cannisters, and lots of tree cuttings.

“It causes a lot of trouble. My husband is 80, I'm nearly 80 and we are clearing other people's rubbish away.”

The Brydons have asked the council to install CCTV down their road to solve the problem which they fear is running out of control.

“We have a gate saying private road, and another notice saying access in constant use but because we are a third of a mile up I presume they don't believe it,” Mrs Brydon said.

“We asked for a CCTV camera, but were told it was too expensive. We need something to monitor people using that slip road. They are being thoroughly irresponsible.”