A couple say they have no choice but to push their baby’s pram down the middle of the road due to badly parked cars blocking the pavement.

The parking problems in Dering Road, Willesborough, also left Biffa contractors unable to carry out the fortnightly collection last Friday as the refuse lorry couldn’t fit down the road, despite attempting to access it five times.

In addition, pedestrians are being forced to walk in the road in order to avoid the poorly positioned cars.

Daren Payne, 47, who lives in the street with his fiancee Belina Jeal and their one-year-old daughter Eliza-Rose, said: “Parking is a real problem in our road.

“There have been many a time that we have had to push the pram down the middle of the road as the pavements are blocked with cars.

“Our refuse bins didn’t get emptied on Friday because apparently the cars that park on both sides of the road blocked the bin men’s way.

“So it’ll be recycle this Friday and another week until general waste. The nappies will smell lovely…not.

“As you can imagine our bins will be overflowing by then.

“It’s not just our road. Star Road which leads on to Dering Road has the same problem.

“It was probably this which caused the truck to get blocked.”

There are some existing parking restrictions in Dering Road, but Mr Payne, who is able to park his car in a space provided behind his flat, believes more should be added.

He said: “There are some yellow lines but mostly it’s whoever gets the gap wins.

“The solution is either better parking or thinner dust carts. But it’s difficult problem.

“More yellow lines would be good, but I can’t see it happening.”

Ward member for the area, Cllr Graham Galpin, said: "I am aware of the problems in this road and surrounding ones, and I'm pressing for a resolution.

"I am taking this very seriously. It is a very important issue."

Ashford Borough Council say they will send crews to Dering Road today to collect both recycling and refuse.

A spokesman said: “Our contractors make repeated attempts and on this occasion returned five times to Dering Road but were unable to gain access.

“Therefore we are going to collect residents recycling, refuse and food waste on Friday (today).”

On the topic of the parking, the spokesman added: “We have carried out a review of the parking within this area and are aware of the commuter parking issues.

"Any implementation of parking restrictions will depend on the outcome of a formal public consultation. Obstructive parking should be reported to the police who can enforce against this.”