STAFF shortages are hitting the cleaning of gulleys and drains.
Only two out of five machines are in operation, Kirklees Council has admitted.
One councillor said he had been inundated with complaints in his area.
Lindley Conservative councillor Tony Brice said: "I have seen the problems for myself in my own ward and I have no doubt these problems are replicated throughout Kirklees.
"Some drains are so bad they have plants growing out of them."
Clr Brice said it was unacceptable.
"It is a poor excuse that there is a staff shortage.
The highways department needs to get its act together."
Cabinet member Clr Ann Denham said the council was trying to sort out the problem quickly.
