A pensioner has said an overgrown alleyway next to his house is becoming a fire hazard.

Maurice Goble, of Rosemary Avenue, Halfway, has been trying to get the cut-through cleared but there is confusion about its ownership.

It is thought when the land was originally sold, the space was left so people could pass through and when houses were built on either side by different developers, no one took it on.

In the past, members of the public have cut it back themselves and the 79-year-old says his daughter has used their little strimmer to do it before but it’s not really up to the job.

The retired policeman said: “It’s got into a bit of a state and where it has been so dry I’m concerned it’s becoming a fire hazard. It’s overgrown with grass and weeds which have now fallen over. The alley is used mostly by elderly people as it saves them a long walk round as it joins two parts of the road. It’s very useful for them.”

The grandfather-of-four, who lives with his wife Mollie, says he has had people say to him they aren’t going to use it any more as they are afraid of tripping, and one who said her dog won’t go in it as its scared of going into ‘the jungle’.

He says other residents have been trying to clear it themselves, but he doesn’t think that’s really on and would like something done about it.

“I also have to pick up rubbish from down there.” added.

Both Kent Highways and Swale council said the alleyway is not their responsibility.

Although Swale said it is the residents’ responsibility to clear the alleyway, the council is looking into other avenues with its partner agencies to see if it is possible to get something done about it.