Residents today demanded action following problems with rats, rotting window frames and overgrown weeds.

And one tenant has claimed he has waited for a year to get rotting windows at his housing association flat replaced.

Residents at the block of flats in Frank Clater Close, Colchester, say they have spotted rats in overgrown weeds, brambles and shrubbery behind the property, have rotting window frames and battle to keep mould at bay.

Councillor for the St Anne's area Mike Hogg said he asked for answers in a full council meeting as to why much-needed refurbishments were not being carried out in February.

Fellow ward councillor Helen Chuah said one resident had been paying throughout the winter for heating that was "disappearing out of the rotting windows."

The tenant, who did not want to be named, said he had approached landlords Colchester Borough Homes a year ago.

"Someone came to see me a year ago and said something would be done to clear the overgrown area behind the fences here, but so far nothing has been done," he said.

A Colchester Borough Homes spokesman said: "We appreciate being told that there is a problem in the area. We will now investigate the situation."

Karen Loweman, Colchester Borough Homes' director of housing management, said: "We are looking into the condition of the windows at the flats in Frank Clater Close. We would encourage all our tenants to look after their gardens properly. We also offer people advice on what they can do to cut condensation - and mould - in their homes. We think it is important that tenants understand their responsibilities for their homes."