Rats, rubbish and urine are just some of the things soiling this East Oxford alleyway, which nearby residents say has become a "running sewer" and a "hellish place".

The alleyway, off Marston Street, is a favourite haunt for drunken revellers after they leave nightspots in Cowley Road.

Resident Ken Reed is calling for something to be done about the problem.

"It upsets me greatly and is very distressing," said the 78-year-old, who has lived in the area all his life.

"It really has become truly awful. It's a running sewer out there. It's used as a public lavatory by people of both sexes in the small hours of the morning.

"People stagger out of the various bars and clubs and turn into this alleyway. Not only do they use it as an open toilet but they shout abusive language which everyone can hear.

"Then there's all the rats and rubbish. Just a few nights ago we saw a huge rat down there. It's not nice for residents."

Mr Reed has been forced to fit prison-style bolts to his doors after two drunken men tried to break into his house.

He said: "This problem could be solved quite simply if the council put a gate across the alleyway to prevent people getting into it. Something has to be done. I think it should and could be stopped."

He said Cowley Road businesses had also been leaving bags of rubbish in the alleyways on days other than collection days.

City councillor Craig Simmons, chairman of the East Oxford Parliament, said: "We have had problems with other alleyways in the area and found that if it is a crime issue, the police have been happy to work with us to fund a solution.

"Environmental health officers monitor these streets and one has been sent out to look at the Marston Street alleyway to see if they can do some clean-up work.

"There is also the possibility of putting a gate across the alleyway to try to prevent antisocial behaviour."