Hertsmere borough Councillor Leon Reefe, who represents Brookmeadow ward where the alley is situated, said three people had told him they were concerned about the campaign to close the Chandos Road alley, which they had been using for more than 20 years as a short-cut to the town centre.

Mr Reefe believes the alley is probably a right-of-way, which could be kept open and the litter problem dealt with by the council's Operation Eyesore.

He said fellow Brookmeadow councillor, Councillor Len Silverstone, had also been approached by a few alley users concerned at the prospect of it closing.

Hertsmere Borough Council is investigating residents' fears that the rubbish-strewn alley is a health risk and attracts anti-social behaviour, including people using it as a toilet.

Calls for the closure of the alley are also opposed by Jewish worshippers, who use it as a short-cut to the Borehamwood and Elstree Synagogue, in Croxdale Road.

The alley has a narrow, un-made path leading from it, which runs between garages and an electricity sub-station and can be used to access Croxdale Road.

It was left over space when the houses were built 30 years ago, and is believed to be owned by the developer.