A Maidstone man who has spent the last 43 years piling bikes sky high in his front garden says he has done nothing wrong despite complaints that his property is an eyesore.

David Watts says he has been running a second hand goods and repair business from his address on the corner of Muir Road and Old Tovil Road since 1971.

However, the huge stacks of bicycles have recently attracted the attention of Maidstone Borough Council which contacted Mr Watts about their removal on the grounds that they were scrap.

The former driving instructor, known as Scrap Metal Dave, said: "It's just a hobby that has got out of hand. I repair neighbours' bikes - if they bring one round I'll fix it for them.

"It's a bit untidy but I can't help that, I'm an untidy person. I need something to do in my old age."

The 73-year-old, who moved in to the house in 1965, says the bikes are not scrap and are to be sold, repaired or used for parts. However, he did concede that he collects bikes quicker than he can shift them.

He added: "This is not council property, this is my house. I'm registered as a bike dealer and have a scrap metal license, but if I was a scrap dealer then I wouldn't keep it all here as that would be pointless.”

Kent County Council Trading Standards confirmed that Mr Watts is a registered trader of second hand goods.

People in the area have complained that the bikes, numbering in the hundreds, are an eyesore and are causing a hazard to road users with many stored in trailers outside the property.

MBC parking services said it is powerless to act as the trailers are not attached to vehicles and are therefore not in breach of parking regulations.

Mr Watts' wife, Maureen, 71, who he cares for full time, isn't a fan of the collection, banning him from working in the house and complaining that she can no longer do the gardening.

A resident of Old Tovil Road said: "When David ran the scrap business from the same address I had no problem with it, but this has escalated now.

"He has more bikes than a cycle shop and it's getting to be a bit of an eyesore."

A Maidstone Borough Council spokesman said: "We have received complaints about the property being untidy and are looking into the issue."

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