An eight-foot mountain of bark has been left blocking a residential street.

It was ordered by the Kent Probation Service as part of its payback project to get young offenders working in the community by planting trees around HM Prison Cookham Wood in Borstal, Rochester.

But according to neighbour Babs Taylor, of Sylewood Close, the probation team ordered two tons to turn up, but they got 18 instead.

She said: “The truck just dumped the excess and drove off. It is blocking access for residents and vehicles and it is a fire hazard.”

Since it was first left last Tuesday, workers have been returning to the access road in Sylewood Close with wheelbarrows to remove the 8ft mountain, but Babs says they have only appeared twice since it was dumped a week ago.

“It seems to be dependent on the weather,” she said. “It’s just two men with their wheelbarrows. It’s ridiculous.”

A Prison Service spokesman said: “We are working hard to clear the path and apologise for any inconvenience caused.”