It looks almost comical – as if a tide of bin bags had burst through the door and poured out into the street.

But Bushey Heath man and shop volunteer Barry Hyman believes the festering heap of sacks in a service road behind High Road is a “scandalous” health hazard – and should be dealt with by fines.

The refuse bags – some of which have split – have almost blocked a doorway to a block of flats, where they reach as high as the entrance intercom.

Read more: Man arrested after reports of fight outside Bushey pub

Mr Hyman, who last month reported illegal dumping outside Bushey Heath charity shops, says the mess has been building up and growing daily.

He said: "It's pouring out of the bin store room and it's disgusting and it clearly hasn't been dealt with for weeks. This mess is scandalous."

Watford Observer: The pile of rubbish seeping out of a bin store at a block of flats. Image: Barry HymanThe pile of rubbish seeping out of a bin store at a block of flats. Image: Barry Hyman (Image: Barry Hyman)

Hertsmere Borough Council says the responsibility for the rubbish lies with the landlord, but Mr Hyman is frustrated his request to the council to get it cleared has resulted only in vague jargon.

He said: “I reported it to Hertsmere Borough Council and they told me they are working with a landlord ‘in an escalating way’.

“What does that mean? This clearance needs to be done now and there need to be fines handed out. It’s a health hazard.”

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Watford Observer: The service road in Bushey Heath which is also home to Little Bushey Surgery and is the rear access point for some shops in High Road such as Budgens. Image: Google Street ViewThe service road in Bushey Heath which is also home to Little Bushey Surgery and is the rear access point for some shops in High Road such as Budgens. Image: Google Street View (Image: Google Street View)

When contacted, the council said it could step in if the rubbish remains.

A council spokesperson said: “We are aware of the rubbish dumped behind the shops in High Road, Bushey Heath, and have been engaging with the landlord to ensure that they are making appropriate arrangements for their tenants to be able to dispose of their waste properly.

“Landlords have a responsibility to make adequate provisions for their tenants to be able to dispose of their waste appropriately by providing suitable bins, as well as information on how to use them correctly.

"If a landlord does not meet these requirements, the council can step in to clear the waste, supply suitable bins and charge the costs back to the landlord.

“A notice was served on the freeholders on October 5 and our officers are having constructive conversations with the landlord about removing the rubbish and preventative solutions.”

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