They claim that the "disgusting" subway on Galloway Lane, is home to litter, human waste and graffiti but that Leeds City Council have not had cleaners along there for months.

The subway is a vital link for elderly residents who have to go through the mess to get to their bus stop on the other side of Leeds Bradford Road, which is on the border of Pudsey and Calverley.

Pensioner Beryl Richardson claims that she has complained about it a number of times to Leeds City Council but nothing had been done.

She said: "It is covered in filth and it is disgusting. It is simply a health hazard.

"This subway is the only way to get from one side of the road to the other and it is just not safe.

"It is not like I am asking for it to be cleaned every day of every week. I would just like to see something done about it.

"Why do we pay council tax because it is not too much to ask for them to clean it up every two months or so?

"It is near to the fields and I wouldn't be surprised if there were rats down there."

Councillor Andrew Carter (Cons, Calverley and Farsley) said: "The subway has been in a disgraceful condition for some time now.

"Unfortunately the effects of anti-social behaviour are getting worse. The latest stream of behaviour has seen an increase in graffiti and human waste and it is unacceptable.

"This is not the behaviour of human beings - it is more like that of animals.

"It is not right or fair that people should have to tolerate this kind of behaviour.

"Furthermore it is costing the council tax payers to clean this up.

"We want to see real tough action taken because it is happening on quite a regular basis.

A Leeds City Council spokesman said: "We are aware of the need for the subway on Galloway Lane in Pudsey to be cleaned and are arranging for a team to carry out the work as soon as possible."