Neighbours have voiced their frustration over an 'eyesore' house in Aspley, saying the derelict property is attracting "vandalism and pests". Residents living in Allendale Avenue in the Nottingham estate said kids were "always breaking in".
The house has been under the same ownership since 1984, according to HM Land Registry documents. However, locals say it has been unoccupied for at least 15 years.
"Kids are always in there breaking in, it's just an eyesore, it's a mess," said Collette Drain, who lives on the street. The 45-year-old, along with fellow neighbours, said she was frustrated by the owner's lack of action after being contacted by authorities.
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Nottingham City Council said it understands residents' frustration and had been dealing with the owner for a number of years. It said it had carried out various enforcement actions.
"There's so many trees and they just block everything out," continued Ms Drain. "The council say the trees should be chopped down but it never gets finished. It's a shame as it's just sat there doing absolutely nothing.
"It gets squirrels, rats and it's in a really bad way on the inside. Kids break it in and smash it up. A lot of vandalisation. It's just a nuisance and it doesn't look very nice as well. It's a nice street and we all maintain our gardens. For that to be sat there on the corner... Something needs sorting but I just don't know what's going to happen."
As well as attracting rats and squirrels, residents say it is a hot bed for fly-tipping. Gail Gomez, an admin worker, said: "People in the neighbourhood have used it to fly-tip lots of rubbish which makes it look even worse.
"It's always messy but it seems to be construction rubbish now. Whereas before people were dumping trampolines and all kinds of rubbish."
She added: "It's an eyesore and it makes the whole entrance look really messy as you drive in. There's always rubbish there and it invites vandalism, it's been vandalised several times. You can imagine there's all sorts of creatures in there."
Another resident on the street, a 57-year-old nurse who wished to remain anonymous, said: "Rodents, rats, everything, it's really disturbing my house. Two or three months ago the children were playing there and throwing stones. If it hits my window who is going to be responsible for that."
A Nottingham City Council spokesperson said: “We have been dealing with this property and its owner for a number of years and understand the frustration of residents in this part of Aspley.
“Various enforcement actions have been carried out in the past and we will step in again if further problems come to light. However, our understanding is that the house might soon be put up for sale, although, of course, that’s a decision for the owner.
“A significant element of the rubbish on site appears to be caused by other people dumping items rather than disposing of them responsibly. This is obviously a criminal offence and we would urge anyone with information to contact the council.”
Nottinghamshire Live attempted to contact the owner of the property.
