A pensioner has been left 'fed up' after a housing association put a metal railing around her bungalow that blocks access to her own garden. Paul Griffen says she has been unable to enjoy the large grassed area outside her property on the Rochdale Borough Housing managed estate ever since she moved in.
The 67-year-old also claims that soaring energy bills mean she can no longer afford to put on her tumble dryer, but that she is left with no other option as she can't put her washing out to dry on the clothes line outside. She has a small garden at the front of her house, but says that the green barriers and metal gates have left her and other residents in the surrounding bungalows unable access the grassed area.
Pamela, who suffers from Parkinson's, back problems and diabetes, is mostly confined to her home as a result. As reported by Manchester Evening News, she explained: "You can't get onto the grass at all outside the house. Now all these bills are going through the roof we can't afford to use the tumble dryer so want to hang out our washing outside.
"The handrail goes from the start of the house all the way around the three bungalows so there is no way we can get on to the grass. We have to try and climb under or over it, which is very difficult to do.
"One of my neighbours is 70, so she can't do that either. I have tried to get in touch with the council and RBH and it doesn't ever seem like anyone knows who I need to speak to. The weather has been absolutely gorgeous these past few months and there is no way we can get outside to enjoy it."
Pamela, who says her neighbours are also suffering from not being able to access the grassed area, says that she has only requested for a small part of the railing to be removed so she can get out more easily. The site, on Stuart Street, Middleton, is managed by Rochdale Borough Housing.
They said that they will be consulting with residents to find a solution but that adjusting the railings currently would lead to concerns for the safety of residents living at the scene, many of which have visual impairments. "All we asked for was a gap to be taken out so that we can get onto the grass or just sit out," Pamela added.
"I didn't ask for it to be put there and all I want to be able to do is sit outside my own home. This has been going on since I moved in two years ago and I am fed up with it now. The weather has been gorgeous recently and we can't even go out."
A spokesperson for Rochdale Borough Housing association said: "The railings at Stuart Street were installed around a decade ago as a safety measure for older residents. Adjusting the railings whilst maintaining safety for current and future residents, particularly those with visual impairments, would lead to concerns about safety of those living at the scheme.
"We are looking into whether alternative access to the grassed area can be made available and will talk to residents about the best solution."
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