Two metre high weeds result in eviction

A Merlin Housing Society resident has been evicted from her ground floor flat after weeds in her garden grew almost as high as the building’s first floor windows.

Following a hearing at Bristol County Court earlier in the year, the 29-year-old woman was ordered to leave her house after her entire garden became a two metre high tangle of weeds and brambles. Merlin secured an Order for Possession at the court after she repeatedly ignored requests to tidy up the garden.

She has now left the two-bedroom property in Gathorne Crescent, Yate and Merlin will shortly be starting work to clear the weeds and restore the garden to its former state.

Over the course of the past few years the back garden has become completely overgrown with weeds which tower above the boundary fence, have overtaken a shed and buried a 6ft high child’s swing.

Staff from Merlin’s Yate area housing office had been engaged in ongoing discussions with the woman about the state of the garden, while neighbours had grown increasingly concerned.

Hazel Grey, Yate area housing manager, said: “The garden is in a completely unacceptable condition and we have no way of knowing what is under all those weeds.  We tried very hard to resolve this with the resident before going to court but after ignoring all our requests she unfortunately left us with little choice.

“Keeping your garden tidy is part of your tenancy agreements and in extreme cases like this, we will take action. We will always try to work with people, so let your area housing officer know if you have any issues.”