The amount of litter around a village war memorial has been condemned as an "insult" to local soldiers who died during World War 1.

Charlotte Moggridge contacted the Epsom Guardian last week with photographs taken around Ewell Village, showing unpicked litter, ponds marred with wrappers and packets and uncut grass.

She said Epsom Council has not taken action to tackle the problem despite contacting them several times.

Your Local Guardian:

She said: "Where is my council tax going? Do I really have to remind the council that grass needs to be cut or beds need to be maintained?

"What an insult with the war memorial being in the state it is.

"I understand it is important to have untouched areas for wildlife to flourish but the season where the ducklings are swimming the rubbish in the streams and ponds is nothing but neglect.

"It would be great to enjoy the beauty of the village."

Your Local Guardian:

A spokesman for Epsom Council said that he could only find three complaints about litter in Ewell in recent months, but it was aware of "the importance residents attach to the look of the borough".

He said: "Litter bins are provided throughout Ewell however there is a littering problem and an issue with drivers throwing rubbish out of car windows."

He said the council litter-picks on pavements and verges and mechanically sweeps the roads in the village seven days a week and that Bourne Hall is litter picked and swept three times a week.

Your Local Guardian:

The spokesman said that the water flow in the waterway outside Bourne Hall park and by the war memorial has "slowed considerably", causing an increase in algae and a build-up of litter, which is being investigated.

He added: "Ewell Village was cut back and weeded earlier this week and there is a team in Bourne Hall Park today."

Councillor Clive Woodbridge said he does not think the village is "a particularly bad place for litter" but that "it has problems just like others places do."

He said: "The war memorial is something that, at the moment, does look in a sorry state and we need to do something about it."

Your Local Guardian:

A spokesman for the Royal British Legion said: "The Legion is saddened to hear of this. War memorials and graves honour the memory of the British Armed Forces who have made the ultimate sacrifice and those who defend freedom we enjoy."