Pensioners in Abingdon have criticised a school for failing to stop pupils dropping litter near their homes.

Residents living in Darrell Way, Harcourt Way and Collingwood Close opposite Fitzharrys School in Northcourt Road, are so fed up that some have taken photographs and video footage and sent them to the school.

The school said it had cleared the rubbish and would urge children to be good neighbours.

Residents say pupils who gather at lunchtime on a large, grass open space leave behind them empty sandwich cartons, drink cans, bottles and newspapers. Graffiti had also been scrawled on a wall.

One elderly resident said she had been in touch with the school seven times to complain, but little had been done.

She added: "We are fed up with the rubbish the children leave behind. It spoils a decent area. The council sent a man round to clear up but within a few days it was bad again. The children totally ignore nearby litter bins."

Another pensioner said: "The children are not badly behaved and cause no trouble, but are old enough to know better and should not leave their rubbish to litter on the grass and in the street." Another said: "The police have visited the area and have spoken to some of the students but there is little the police can do unless they or someone actually sees an offence being committed.

"A teacher has been over here with students and collected rubbish in black bags but you can't expect teachers to keep coming over here all the time. Teachers are not responsible once the children are outside the school gates. A lot of the children need guidance from their parents but it seems that's sadly lacking in many cases these days."

Fitzharrys headteacher Dr Phil Bloomfield apologised for the behaviour of a small minority of pupils.

He said: "We have not ignored the concerns of local residents. In fact, I went out to one area and, with some of the students, cleared up the rubbish. We will keep an eye on the situation and will clean off the graffiti.

"I can only apologise. We are anxious to maintain the good relationship we have with the local community.