A furious council tenant has criticised the local authority over a mound of rubbish bags in the garden next door he claims attracted vermin and foul odours to his home.

John Powell, of Folkestone, says the rodents were drawn to black sacks and a mouldy mattress dumped on an overgrown lawn.

Folkestone and Hythe District Council warned the householders to clear the waste, with the mattress and many of the bags now gone, but Mr Powell believes the authority has dragged its heels.

“All we want to do is sit in the garden but it’s just disgusting,” he said.

“During the last few weeks there have been more rats in the gardens either side [of the house].

Taxi driver Mr Powell, 42, says there have been issues in Taylor Road, Cheriton, for many years, “driving him nuts”.

The district council says it ordered those responsible to clear up or “further action” would be taken.

Mr Powell says some of the rubbish has since been cleared but as many as 10 black sacks remain in the garden at number 13.

He said: “We’ve found a dead rat in our garden and seen loads of rubbish sat there next door.

“When you open our bedroom window there have been a lot of flies - it’s just disgusting.

“Another neighbour has seen badgers, hedgehogs and foxes on their wildlife cameras."

Mr Powell, who has a second job as a coal worker, says he has been in dispute with the district council for a decade.

We can't even do a council house exchange and move if we wanted to because nobody wants to live here…

“It’s a continuing battle and I’ve had enough of it,” he said.

“It will be cleared bit by bit but then in a couple of months when it’s forgotten about it will happen again and look like a jungle.

“If I miss a payment on my rent or council tax I’ll get a letter through the door saying I’m going to be taken to court.

“[So] I feel like I’m the victim here when I’m the only one trying to get it sorted.

“We can't even do a council house exchange and move if we wanted to because nobody wants to live here."

FHDC told KentOnline efforts have been made to help Mr Powell with the situation.

A spokesperson said last week: “We met Mr Powell last week to discuss the matter and have instructed his neighbour to clear the back garden, including the rubbish sacks, by a set deadline.

"Further action will be taken if this is not adhered to.”

Mr Powell’s neighbours were approached for comment.