Neighbours have ignored guidance by the fire service after multiple complaints about dumped rubbish in the hallway.

Flats in Tempsford Avenue, in Borehamwood, have been told by their housing association Affinity Sutton and the fire service that they must keep communal areas clear. However rubbish is still being dumped inside.

In October, an email correspondence between one of the neighbours and Neil Nash, a fire safety inspector, shows the fire service have been to inspect the property.

Mr Nash says in his email: “We have sent fire crews out to the property this afternoon (in October) to assess the fire hazard.

“The crews have reported back to me that there is an amount of building materials on site but the owner has assured them that these will be removed by tomorrow.”

Despite speaking with the owners of the flat and Affinity Sutton rubbish is still being dumped in the entrance of the flat four months after the report was made.

A legal notice was placed on top of the pile of rubbish by Keith Davies, from Affinity Sutton, but this was apparently ignored by the tenants and no action was taken.

One of the neighbours, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: “The fire service called on the tenants several times as they deemed the rubbish a risk demanding it be removed forthwith. The fire service would be the one to rescue us and pick up bits should anything happen.

“Since their visit we have endured, over time, a trestle table, large paint cans and concrete dust. Why are other tenants suffering from all this when we respect our Tenancy Agreements.”

Affinity Sutton spokesperson said: “We do not allow any items, waste or otherwise, in our communal areas.

"We gave the tenant responsible 28 days’ notice to remove the items and we can confirm the tenant has now cleared the area. Our local team will continue to monitor this.”