They have lived in their Wentworth Drive home in Kelso for 12 years, during which time the drain has been maintained by Bathurst Regional Council.

But the waterway has now filled up to the point where the Vellas say it is a hazard.

They say the drain has always had some sediment flowing into it from properties on higher ground on Graham and Wentworth drives.

"When they built these houses up there,everyone brought tonnes of soil," Mr Vella said.

He said these properties back onto a catchment area that is well-maintained,but council seems to have "forgotten" to maintain the drain alongside their property.

"It needs to be cleaned up and they need to start slashing it like they did before," he said.

When the Western Advocate visited the site, the drain was full of weeds and rubbish.

Mr Vella said he had made repeated requests to council to clear the drain, but it remained untouched.

It had filled so much that the drain that passes under Wentworth Drive was almost blocked with vegetation and sediment.

Mr Vella said local children had complained of mosquito bites during the past summer when playing nearby due to stagnant water in the drain.

Mrs Vella was concerned that the rubbish-strewn drain was reducing the value and appeal of properties.

"They used to dredge it, but it's been quite a few years now," she said.

"It was a drain, but now it's a wetland."

Council issued a written statement in response to questions from the Western Advocate about the drain.

The statement said a council staff member inspected the site following the phone call from the Advocate.

"The vegetation that is in the drain will not substantially impede the flow of stormwater, but council will schedule work on the site, when resources permit,to clear some of the weeds and material from the drainage bed," the statement said.

The statement said regular mowing is undertaken along the sides of the drainage area.