Row over young mum placed in bungalow for the over-55s
ELDERLY NEIGHBOURS CLAIM THEIR PEACE HAS BEEN SHATTERED BY CARS PULLING UP IN THE NIGHT AND MUSIC BEING PLAYED IN THE EARLY HOURS
OLDER people living in an area of Kimberley say Broxtowe Borough Council has ruined their lives by housing a young mum in a bungalow on their street.
Valley Road contains a number of homes listed as part of the council’s Independent Living service, traditionally reserved for over-55s, which residents say have housed the elderly for decades.
But in December, the single woman – aged in her 30s – was moved into the property. Now, her lifestyle is clashing with theirs – and one neighbour claims it is getting so bad they are considering moving out.
The resident said: “I don’t want to do anything. I don’t want to go anywhere. I don’t even take the dog out any more. We go to bed and think we’re going to be woken up. We don’t seem to be getting help from anywhere. It’s just like I’m banging my head against a brick wall. I thought when I came here I’d have a nice peaceful life.”
Previously, an elderly woman called Janet had lived in the property now occupied by the mum. But after she died, Broxtowe Borough Council opted not to house a pensioner in the bungalow.
Since then, neighbours claim there have been problems on the road, with cars pulling up to the house during the night and music playing in the early hours. Previously, it was “marvellous”, they say.
The Post went to speak to the young mum to get her side of the story. Her exact situation, including details of her disability, is unknown. But she said: “I’m a single mother and have been placed here because I am physically and mentally disabled. I don’t party or play music. The only sound they could possibly hear is when I play Teletubbies for my daughter to get to sleep.
“All these complaints have really affected my life.
“Also, when I first moved in my other neighbours wouldn’t, and still haven’t, smiled or said hello and I have no idea why”.
The tenants dispute this claim. One says that she bought the woman a dress for her daughter when they moved in.
Each of the older residents has lived on the road for at least five years and have sent dozens of emails to the council to complain.
One seen by the Post said: “I’m sobbing my socks off. I’m so angry and hurt. The council has broken me.”
But the residents claim that council officers have simply told the elderly residents to report noise complaints via an app, to keep a diary to record the noise and to try wearing earplugs. When the council’s Independent Living wardens have spoken to the mum, the residents say, she has simply told them that the noise will stop and the council has not followed it up further.
A neighbour of the woman most affected, who also experiences the issues, said: “She’ll end up having a nervous breakdown. It’s ridiculous. The council are a waste of time and the wardens are about as much use as a chocolate ashtray.”
Valley Road in Kimberley is in Category 1 of Broxtowe Borough Council’s Independent Living Service and is the only Independent Living Service street in the town.
According to the council’s Independent Living Service webpage, anyone over the age of 60 and anyone “with a degree of disability that makes their present home unsuitable and who would benefit from the support available in Independent Living accommodation” can apply to live in the homes.
The ILS guide reiterates: “To qualify you must be over 60 or over 55 and in receipt of DLA/PIP benefit.”
A spokesperson for Broxtowe Borough Council said: “Social housing is in high demand and it is important that properties are allocated to those most in need. Our Independent Living properties are for people who require the support of our Independent Living Service, and all of the properties on Valley Road have been allocated in accordance with our Allocations Policy.
“We encourage tenants to use the Noise App and this has been successfully used to provide evidence in a number of cases.
“This does require a button to be pressed to record an accurate date and time of the recording.
“The council is unable to comment on actions being taken regarding specific tenancies. We take all reports of anti-social behaviour seriously and fully investigate all matters that are reported to us.”
It’s just like I’m banging my head against a brick wall. I thought when I came here I’d have a nice peaceful life.
Resident