Rubbish in a Maidstone cul-de-sac has been festering for a month after Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) introduced new parking regulations.

Refuse has piled up in Salem Street as collection vehicles cannot reach the bins. According to residents the issue started when MBC installed permit holder bays in neighbouring George Street in February.

As a result Salem Street’s narrow route has become inundated with non-permit holder cars and dust carts can’t fit down.

Residents of the street’s 17 flats say the stench and infestation of flies is unbearable, particularly in the recent heatwave.

Vicky Bax says she has complained numerous times and is concerned for two-year-old son Theo due to the flies and foul smell.

The 34-year-old said: “I have lived here for two years and have had no problems until the permit bays were put in. I have moved the bins myself. We do not want to put up with it anymore. It is getting beyond a joke.

“We have got flies in our homes and are having to shut windows. Some of the residents’ children are sleeping in their bedrooms so they don’t have the smell.”

Rabbani Gulam, 38, and his wife Mohina Begum, 28, have lived in their flat for six months.

Mr Gulam said: “It really does smell and I have phoned the council to complain many times.”

Mohina recently gave birth to baby Zaid and they also have 18-month-old daughter, Zara, and are concerned for their health.

A spokesman for MBC said: “The bin lorry cannot reach the communal store. Even the smallest of our vehicles couldn’t squeeze through. Our operatives have been carrying refuse by hand from the bin store to the lorry. It’s not ideal but we wanted to do what we could to help.

“We are looking at the possibility of introducing parking restrictions to make it accessible not just for our lorries but also for any other large vehicles.

“We made changes to restrictions in George Street in February following public consultation. Our parking team monitors the impact and where necessary propose further regulations. Where highways safety or traffic flow is a concern, it is Kent County Council who consider if changes are necessary.”