Residents living close to a road full of potholes are angry nothing has been done about it, despite pre-council election promises.

Walden Gardens in Thornton Heath is officially an unadopted road and as such it is not the responsibility of the council to fund any repair works.

However, a group of residents whose homes form the four corners around Walden Gardens say it is unfair they should have to pay for its upkeep, considering they do not live on it and that it is used as a public highway.

Library maps dating back to 1907 show Walden Gardens was constructed before any homes were built.

Joe Kerrane, who has lived in Galpin's Road for 20 years and is one of the residents responsible for its upkeep, said the road is uneven, full of rubbish and has no footways - meaning pedestrians are forced to walk alongside vehicles.

"The local population want something done. They want an appropriate carriageway because the current one is not marked out. It's dangerous. Cars fly through at night because there's no footways."

Mr Kerrane also explained how, during the run up to this year's local elections, residents received a newsletter through their door from candidates for West Thornton.

It criticised a lack of action by the Labour Party and said: Poor old Walden Gardens, which links Galpin's Road and Wharfedale Gardens. It must be one of the most neglected lengths of public carriageway in the borough'.

Mr Kerrane said: "Over the years, councillors keep saying they're going to improve the appearance of the borough. What would be better than giving this link road proper pedestrian footways and carriageways?"

He added: "When the election leaflets came through we though they were toying with this community, saying they're going to fix the problem. The council abandoned the community and we all know it."

In the past, it has been suggested by the council enforcement cameras be erected, the road be turned into a one- way system or a cul-de-sac - but nothing has been done.

A council spokesman confirmed they were not responsible for the maintenance of Walden Gardens and had no plans to repair the road.

However, Councillor Phil Thomas, cabinet member for streets and environmental services, said he would be prepared to meet local residents to discuss the issue.

"I am making no promises because I'm not in a position to use taxpayers' money to resurface the road. But I'm quite happy to have a look at it and see if there's anything we can do about it," he said.