Neighbour’s upset at messy home next door

The housing association property on St Michael’s Road in South Ham has fallen in a state of disrepair and is causing an eyesore, the resident claimed.

He said he is “fed up” of chasing Sovereign Housing, who own the bungalow, next to his rented home.

Sarah Andrews, regional housing manager of Sovereign Housing, said they had been investigating.

Drip marks of brown liquid were found running down the door

She told The Gazette: “We welcome reports from the local community about our properties and always investigate appropriately. We work with all of our customers to maintain the condition of their homes. This was challenging at times during lockdown, but now that services have resumed we can offer customers further support.”

In a letter seen by The Gazette to Sovereign Housing on July 11, the resident wrote: “The front garden is totally overgrown and has been vandalised.

“Vandals have also poured brown liquid into the letterbox and all over the front door area.

“The back garden is now attracting fly-tippers as someone has dumped a large mattress in it.”

A mattress was left abandoned in the back garden

The concerned neighbour told The Gazette he didn't believe the home was currently fit for residents, but said squatters were currently living there. 

When The Gazette visited the property, rats could be seen scurrying across the overgrown grass while brown liquid stains could be seen running across the door.

Meanwhile, a mattress was left abandoned in the back garden.

The concerned neighbour told The Gazette said he didn’t believe the home was currently fit for residents, though Sovereign insists the property is currently occupied.

The resident continued: “Rats are now around the back garden resulting in major health concerns for myself and other residents.”

Pieces of furniture were strewn across the overgrown grass

He said he believes the current state of the property is “not fit for human habitation” with “very poor living conditions”.

“The property has been left in a filthy condition inside and out.

“I have had to put up with this poor standard of living next to my bungalow for several months, and nothing has been done about it.

“It’s unfair that I continue to pay rent and am a good samaritan, and the bungalow next door has been lift in a poor condition,” he added.

The resident said he has been the “good samaritan” and helped keep the place tidy but it has now fallen into disrepair. 

A network of 316 independent charities, Citizens Advice, suggest on their website that if you have a messy neighbour, try to discuss it with them if you can.

Failing that option, there are other ways you can ask them to stop, by reporting them to the council.

Citizens Advice also advise making a note whenever the problem happens - as your records will be useful if you decide to take it further.

They suggest writing as much detail as possible, including what happened, the length of time and how it affected you.

The charity network said it is important to keep any messages your neighbour sends you and collect evidence if safe to do so.

To report the problem to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, call 01256 844844 or get in touch online by filling out the ‘contact us form’ on www.basingstoke.gov.uk.