OBSOLETE mattresses, cookers and washing machines dumped on an Ipswich residential estate are an accident waiting to happen.That is according to families in Downside Close, who are calling for action to be taken to fence the area off.

OBSOLETE mattresses, cookers and washing machines dumped on an Ipswich residential estate are an accident waiting to happen.

That is according to families in Downside Close, who are calling for action to be taken to fence the area off.

Although Sanctuary Housing Association, which is responsible for the area, has already promised to do this and also dispose of the items, the residents want urgent action.

Peter Warner, 55, of Downside Close, said: "They've promised to do it but everything seems to take so long. It only takes a few minutes for a child to climb up on them and get injured.

"We feel strongly about this - it's waiting for an accident to happen."

The discarded items, which also include fridges, microwaves and televisions, are clustered together by residents for collections organised by the housing association on a periodic basis.

At present, the amount of items awaiting collection has overspilled on to a compound outside the fenced area. This prompted the housing association to make moves to extend the fencing.

Geoffrey Gardiner, housing services manager of Sanctuary, made the promise in a letter dated March 17 but, as yet, no action has been taken.

Mr Gardiner said today: "The order has been placed for a new a fence and we're waiting for the contractor to fit it in to a work programme.

"I can't really say it's going to be done next week, it's a case of waiting for the contractor."

Around 40 people signed a petition about the issue, which was organised by concerned families on the estate.

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