WALLS covered in lurid designs, empty cans strewn across back gardens and the daily aroma of fresh aerosol spray - welcome to Southampton's very own graffiti mile.

As far as the eye can see, Gypsy Grove, which links St James Road and Shirley Road, is daubed with images and "tags".

Both sides of the half-mile-long alleyway show evidence of years of graffiti and one fed-up resident says it is time to close the route off altogether.

Malcolm Ward, whose Janson Road home backs on to the walkway, claims the link is also used as a rat run for burglars and has become a hideout for drug users.

He said: "This must be the worst place in Southampton for graffiti.

"When I called the council and told them how bad it was they told me it was a pretty Victorian walkway.

"They are not in the real world.

"I have just spent £2,000 cleaning up the 33ft section of wall at the back of my house - it has been vandalised three times this year.

"There is more graffiti here than anywhere else in Southampton put together and the council will do nothing about it - they just do not want to know."

Southampton City Council says the alleyway provides vital access for pedestrians and cyclists.

Mr Ward, a 56-year-old electrician who has lived at the family home for 27 years, says the situation has deteriorated over the past five years.

He said: "You can always find needles there. It is used by drug takers, drinkers and criminals.

"The police said they are going to take pictures of the latest graffiti on my wall so they can show the council."

A spokeswoman from Southampton City Council said some offensive tags were removed last week while vandalism would be repaired at a later date.

She added that substantial evidence of criminal activity or antisocial behaviour was needed before a public right of way could be closed.

She said: "If the majority of nearby residents are suffering from crime, we will look at restricting access to ensure safety is maintained. However, at present, this is not the case.

"While we sympathise with Mr Ward's situation, many people still use the Gypsy Grove alleyway, providing a vital path to Shirley High Street and rather than closing these routes, we are working to improve the pedestrian and cycling network in an attempt to encourage sustainable and active travel.

"There are a number of graffiti 'pieces' along the wall of Gypsy Grove, but as this is private property residents owning the wall along the alleyway have given permission for youths to do this. We have received no complaints from other residents and therefore there is nothing more that can be done."