A row over who should mow the lawn has turned a "well-groomed" grassy area into an "eyesore".

The half-acre plot in Wivenhoe has been called a disgrace after governing authorities left it with overflowing bins and two-foot-high grass.

The local amenity opposite Millfields Primary School in Bowes Road, comes under Elmstead parish council's ownership although land surrounding it belongs to Wivenhoe town council.

Residents living close by are baffled that a disagreement between two neighbouring councils has resulted in a stand-off.

George Sheppard, 76, said: "It's ridiculous.

"It was a nice bit of land and kids used to play on it but now the grass is so high it's almost covering the park benches."

Charles Humberstone said: "What do we pay our council tax for?

"This is the worst it's ever been and we have lived here for 15 years."

Elmstead council has said the grass has not been cut all year because parish councillors decided on leaving it as a "conservation area".

A Millfields Primary School spokesman said: "Saying it's a conservation area is a copout, it's normally well-groomed and looks lovely."

Penny Kraft, Wivenhoe mayor, called it an eyesore and fears it will become a dumping ground.

Mrs Kraft is planning to visit an Elmstead council meeting to discuss it on Thursday.