My neighbours' overgrown house

Michael will be pleased that his thread has proved useful.

The car suddenly was not there when I got up two days ago.
Only they left one bumper lying in the drive.

Good to see things getting back to normal, Alie

when, I'm not actually sure what 'normal' is here as regards next door....!

They have left a good many trees, and cleared the ground - the front looks very bare and they removed the only thing that ever looked good, the big pampas grass. (Think I said that before?)

I have heard nothing about the damaged shed so far, and I'm debating my next move.

Alie I know what you mean!

Years ago, when our house was struck by lightning , it damaged the tv so we put in an insurance claim. They checked, and came straight back to us to say 'yes, that's fine, we have confirmation from the met office that your area had storms.' So, you could ask the met office yourself about the weather on that day in your area. Good luck.

So glad to hear there is a big improvement.

On an aside, do ask the gardener to look out for dislodged hedgehogs- and if any seen, put cat food and water out for them as it is too eraly for them to get out of hibernation. I know, least of your worries, but ...

Good idea, roses.

Hedgehogs - there are some round here - would they be in hibernation though, it's been so warm?

Today I am painting the front porch. Not a big job as it isn't enclosed.
Have matching masonry paint. Almost finished, having a cuppa.

It actually seems worth doing things to my house now!

Looks a whole lot better.

Well done, AlieO I'm happy that you're happy.

Thanks soop!

Enjoy- and Spring is on its way (mind you, snowing like crazy up here in t'mountains)

Good for you Alie. It's good weather for painting today. Long may it last!

UPDATE. That was February. This is July.

The estate agent who came just after this, to give a new valuation on my house....said it is 'practically unsaleable'. (Quote).
Since the house next door, the other half of the same building, is now exposed and looks pretty much derelict.

I am not happy. The SODC are not responding to emails. I keep getting referred to the same woman at Environmental Health who is not forthcoming with help - or even acknowledgements.

The District councillor who is sympathetic is not getting any answers either.
She suggested that I might get a better response from Oxfordshire County Council, as the Social Services are already involved.....I emailed a councillor who passed mine on to the SS.....who have just suggested that I might contact - guess who - the SODC Environmental Health!

Who I first contacted in October 2012.

I am so cross.

ALIE , you have every right to be !

Thanks for sympathy.
...but what the hell do I do next??

Try your MP or MEP - good luck anyway - that is an awful position to e in.

Back again, trying to sort my freeview out .
That is a good suggestion bez made, give it a try, you have two chances !

Actually I have just been writing to my MP, about the only person in authority who I haven't contacted!

You just have to try everything, this is an awful situation for you.

Someone must be able to help you , I do hope so !

I know there are mixed feelings about Europe but some laws do benefit us - may just be worth writing to the MEP too incase there is an obscure law we haven't heard about - in the human rights book or something.

I'll have to look them up!

I have now a few names - I find the EU setup very confusing, there is one Lib Dem woman who looks the most likely,

....or two others with a choice between UKIP and another, Labour, who isn't on the right committees......

Anyway I will save them for now and see what I get from the MP.
If anything!

You and Yours on Radio Four? Jeremy Vine? A letter from someone at th Beeb can work wonders. I take it you've been to CAB.