Local residents in Hunstanton have raised concerns over a property on Chatsworth Road where waste and rubbish have accumulated in the front garden of a bungalow, prompting intervention from the local council. The situation has drawn attention due to the scale of the debris, which includes broken furniture, household appliances, black bags of waste, and even a Tesco shopping trolley with perishable food items left exposed.
The property, owned by 66-year-old Sharon Cochrane, has seen a noticeable decline in garden maintenance over recent years. Photographs dating back to 2009 show a well-tended front garden, but by 2023, rubbish had steadily accumulated around the house. Most recently, the piling waste has grown worse, attracting attention—and complaint—from neighbours.
Residents have voiced significant concerns regarding the impact of the debris on public health and safety. Neighbours reported the presence of vermin, including rats that have reportedly spread to neighbouring properties, necessitating pest control measures. The accumulation of waste has also been described as a fire hazard, with some residents anxious about the safety of children passing by the property on the street.
Tammy Edmunds, a nearby resident, expressed her frustration, saying, "How can the law of the land let someone live in such squalor and filth? I appreciate there are laws and regulations but some people seem to live above them. The street has been suffering with this on and off for ten years and in the last five weeks it's got worse. It's a fire hazard and risk of health and safety. We've heard of rats from there spreading across to other properties which has meant pest control have had to come out. The notice only concerns the front and side of the house - there's even more in the back garden."
Other neighbours echoed these sentiments, describing the conditions as offensive due to the smell and the visible presence of rodents. One remarked on the risk posed by the waste potentially falling onto the pavement and said, "It lowers the tone of the whole street. If people want to sell their houses it's going to lower the price."
According to another neighbour, the issue has been ongoing for many years, with similar problems reported at a previous property owned by Mrs Cochrane. This neighbour also mentioned that the property is home to a dog and six cats, resulting in a welfare concern that prompted a call to the RSPCA. Nine years ago, a fire originating from the property caused damage extending to an adjacent roof.
Mrs Cochrane herself was photographed wearing yellow Wellington boots as she began clearing items from the garden. When asked about the situation, she said, "The world is going to hell in a handbasket and people care so much about my furniture on my own drive. I don't understand why people are so concerned. Does it look like I'm living my best life? I'm getting support but I'm a very private person and I don't want to talk about my medical history to strangers."
The council has issued a notice requiring Mrs Cochrane to remove the waste from the front garden, following neighbour complaints. A council spokesperson stated, "We are aware of the issues raised and continue to work with all parties."
The condition of the property and the surrounding area has become a matter of dispute within the community, encompassing concerns of public health, safety, and neighbourhood quality of life. The ongoing involvement of local authorities indicates efforts are being made to address the accumulation of waste on the premises.
Source: Noah Wire Services