SLIPPERY steps in Eastcott have been called an accident waiting to happen by concerned residents.

People living near the steps, which run from Dunsford Close to a green area near Valleyside, have complained that a build-up of mud and fallen leaves pose a danger.

They say that the mess has not been cleaned up for months, and are calling on Swindon Council to take action.

The steps are supposed to be checked and swept by Swindon Commercial Services every three weeks, according to the council contractor’s schedule.

Resident Su Lea, 47, of Dunsford Close, uses the steps three times a day to walk her dog.

She claims they were last cleaned in May, when she complained to Lib Dem councillors when they were seeking re-election, but nothing has happened since.

She says pedestrians take their lives into their own hands when they try to walk up or down the steps.

The mother-of-one said: “I use these steps, as do many of the residents there, every day and they’re absolutely treacherous.

“They’re so slippery that someone is going to have an accident and the council is going to be sued.

“It’s just been ignored for months. The top of the steps are very slippery.

“It never dries out because they’ve allowed trees to grow over the top and shade it.

“You cannot help the leaves falling but it should be swept and kept clean and mud-free.”

Coun Dave Wood (Lib Dem, Eastcott), who has again taken up the issue, said: “I’m quite disappointed about the whole thing to be honest.

“The issue has been going on for several months now, and residents were assured the cleaning works were taking place.

“I was told it should be taking place every three weeks, but this hasn’t happened.

“It’s an accident waiting to happen.

“It’s something I’ve pushed and pushed for but I’m just disappointed nothing has happened, which is a real shame. It’s the residents who are suffering.”

No one from Swindon Council was available for comment.