Angry members of a social club in New Addington have slammed the council for failing to tackle persistent fly-tipping opposite their bar.

Ian Lorimer and Charlie Hustwayte say they have given up complaining to Croydon Council about the beds, old fridges and rubble dumped outside the Over 21 Club on North Downs Crescent.

They claim the access road leading up to the club is being used by residents to dump unwanted waste, which is attracting rats and causing a fire hazard.

Chairman Mr Hustwayte, 73, said: "I am sick to death of complaining.

"I used to tell the council every single time something new was dumped, but I've given up now, because nothing ever gets done."

The council says its street-cleaning team has been clearing up to 40 heaps of fly-tipped rubbish a day over the last few weeks, but Mr Hustwayte insists he has never seen them.

The Over-21 club is one of the estate's most well-known and popular social venues, and currently has 650 members on its books.

In the last five years, Mr Hustwayte and his committee has spent £50,000 on refurbishing the inside of the club.

"I want it to be the kind of place young families want to spend the evening in. A safe and welcoming atmosphere.

"But it's gutting to have spent all that time and money on the inside, only to have that eyesore on our doorsteps."

His frustration is shared by vice-chairman Ian Lorimer, who had warned the council the problem would return when the fly-tipping was last cleared 12 months ago.

The 63-year-old said: "I told them, but did they listen? No. They're quick to come round to you if you owe them some money, but when something needs clearing they're nowhere to be seen.

"I've told the council they can put some CCTV on the side of our club to catch whoever is doing it, but they say it's not cost-effective.

"Last year we had to evacuate the building because it was set alight and firemen found a gas canister amongst the rubble.

"I also caught some kids playing on it, so it's not just an eyesore, it's unsafe too."

A council spokesman said: "Steps are being taken to clear the land in question and to look for some means of securing the site in the short term whilst a long-term solution can be found."

He added there had been a marked increase in fly-tipping in New Addington over recent weeks and urged residents to be vigilant.

Anyone spotting suspicious behaviour should take down the vehicle registration if the fly-tippers are driving, as well as the time and date, and call the council on 020 8726 6200.