A PENSIONER is calling for action after a “wall of bushes and branches” was left in a passage way.

Pat Lancaster, 67, of Wickham Road, Colchester, hired NS Tree and Landscapes to do some clearance work in her back garden before she moved into her new home.

But she claims the company failed to dispose of the branches lopped off and instead left them in the passage at the back of her house.

Mrs Lancaster, who is undergoing cancer treatment, said the passage was completely blocked, preventing access to four properties.

The frustrated pensioner said she was told the waste would be taken away as part of the agreement for the work.

Mrs Lancaster paid half the agreed price to Nathan Buckley, 24, the owner of the Maldon-based company, but told him she would not be paying the rest until the job was complete.

She added: “I was told they could not come back the next day because of a previously arranged job but he assured me they would return the day after that.

“Unfortunately, I was unable to be there that day as I had an appointment at the Royal Free Hospital in London.

“I had a kidney removed in February and have to be in London regularly for follow up and ongoing cancer treatment.

“When I arrived back, I had received a letter from my neighbour two houses away.

“When she opened her back gate to go to work on Saturday morning, she was met with a wall of bushes and branches.”

Mr Buckley said he was shocked to find out what had happened.

He said his truck had broken down which meant he could not clear the garden waste straight away.

He added: “As far as I was aware, the lads did it when I was gone.

“They have both been sacked with an immediate effect because I can’t have this harming my reputation.

“I am young and I am self-employed and I am trying to build up business.

“I told her I am going to do it when my pick-up is fixed but at the moment I understand they just want the job done but they need to have a little bit of patience with me.

“I was upset for her. It’s really not fair on her.”