Residents in Bexley are facing a nightmare scenario as fly-tipping and potholes plague the streets, leaving locals at their wit’s end. The situation on Parkside Road in Belvedere has become increasingly dire, with rubbish strewn across the area and potholes causing havoc for residents and their vehicles.
Serife Mehmet, a 30-year-old mother who has lived in the area for 15 years, expressed her frustration, stating that the condition of the street has deteriorated significantly over the years. She highlighted the impact of reduced bin collections on the increase in littering, making the area unappealing and unwelcoming. She shared her experience of seeing mattresses, furniture, and bin bags littered across the road, with dog fouling also becoming a prevalent issue.
Sarah Akin, a lifelong resident of Parkside Road, echoed Mehmet’s sentiments, noting that the situation has worsened in recent years, with a noticeable increase in fly-tipping and littering in the area. She raised concerns about businesses potentially dumping waste in the neighborhood, attracting rodents and foxes from the nearby park.
Paul Chandler, another resident, highlighted the ongoing issue of potholes and fly-tipping on the road, emphasizing the burden it places on residents who often have to take matters into their own hands to address the problems. He shared instances of abandoned cars and fires on the street, painting a grim picture of the challenges faced by those living in the area.
Despite residents’ efforts to address the issues and seek help from the local council, the situation remains unresolved. Bexley Council has stated that Parkside Road is not publicly owned or maintained by the highways authority, complicating efforts to tackle the fly-tipping and pothole problems effectively.
The council has committed to investigating reports of fly-tipping, removing hazardous waste promptly, and exploring potential solutions to improve the situation. However, the challenges posed by the unadopted status of the road and the associated costs have hindered progress in finding a long-term solution to the ongoing issues.
As residents continue to grapple with the nightmare of fly-tipping and potholes, the community remains hopeful for a resolution that will restore the neighborhood to its former state of cleanliness and safety. If you have a similar story to share, reach out to joseph.coughlan@reachplc.com and let your voice be heard. Stay informed about local news by subscribing to our MySouthLondon newsletter for daily updates and more.
