Two SEMIS Tales: A pensioner gets so fed up of his neighbor’s filthy bungalow that he would welcome SQUATTERS.

  • ‘Frustrated’ neighbour has reached his wit’s end because he’s living next door to Britain’s scruffiest house 
  • Peter Chidgey (69) would prefer that squatters move in next door, as they’d be more responsible for the bungalow. 
  • The man is desperate to have authorities remove his empty bungalow at Anstey Crescent in Tiverton.
  • Mr Chidgey said his absent neighbour moved out around eight years ago to Okehampton in South Devon

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An elderly man who feels frustrated with the neighbor’s untidy bungalow claimed that he prefers for squatters to live next door.

Peter Chidgey, 69, has been living in the semi-detached bungalow on Anstey Crescent in Tiverton, Devon with his wife for 34 years and says problems with the adjoining property started years ago.

The privately owned property has been taken over by overgrown bushes and shrubs in the garden after its absentee owner moved out around eight years ago.  

The bungalow is empty, Mr Chidgey claims, since the owner who was in his 70s moved to Okehampton (South Devon). 

Peter Chidgey, 69, who is 'frustrated' with his neighbour's 'messy' bungalow said he'd rather squatters moved in next door to him because 'at least they'd look after it'. He added that he is 'fed up' with 'messy' unkempt shrubs

Peter Chidgey, 69, who is ‘frustrated’ with his neighbour’s ‘messy’ bungalow said he’d rather squatters moved in next door to him because ‘at least they’d look after it’. Chidgey said he was fed up of the untidy shrubs and he feels a bit guilty about it.

Mr Chidgey (pictured) has been living in the semi-detached bungalow on Anstey Crescent in Tiverton, Devon with his wife for 34 years and says problems with the adjoining property started years ago

Mr Chidgey (pictured) has been living in the semi-detached bungalow on Anstey Crescent in Tiverton, Devon with his wife for 34 years and says problems with the adjoining property started years ago

Mr Chidgey said he would buy the property himself if he 'had the money'. He added: 'Now I'm hoping the enforcement team at the council will get their finger out'

If he could afford it, Mr Chidgey stated that he would own the property. He said, “I’m hopeful that the enforcement unit at the council will get out my finger.”

Mr Chidgey claimed there are 'holes' in the property's roof and is calling on the local authority for action despite them previously saying back in 2014 that there was nothing untoward with the site in question

Mr Chidgey stated that the roof is leaking and is asking for help from the authorities, despite previous statements in 2014 that the area was safe.

Although the former service engineer offered his assistance in maintaining the property and cleaning up after the owner’s departure, he was turned down.

“Mr Chidgey stated:[The owner is]About 70 people live on Okehampton. This house is an absolute wreck. Nothing is done.

“I don’t understand why he hasn’t sold up. Two years have passed since he last saw me. Although I tried to offer maintenance, he refused.

“There are holes in the roof. It especially affects me when it’s in my backyard.

“Neighbors” are getting tired as well. Around three years ago the council served an enforcement notice on the owner, asking them to make it compliant. Nothing has been done.

“It is very frustrating to look at. “I don’t know where to go next.”

He stated that he was grateful to not be forced to look onto his front yard and felt bad for the neighbours living opposite.

“If I could afford it, I would buy it.” I hope the enforcement department at the council gets their fingers out. This is just too much for me.

“I would rather have squatters there than this, because they at least show effort to take care of it.” It’s a horrible mess.

According to Mr Chidgey, the property is a god place for blackberries and birdsong. However, he has called on the local authorities to take immediate action in order for the bungalow’s cleanliness. 

The privately owned property has been taken over by overgrown bushes and shrubs in the garden after its absentee owner moved out around eight years ago to Okehampton in South Devon

The privately owned property has been taken over by overgrown bushes and shrubs in the garden after its absentee owner moved out around eight years ago to Okehampton in South Devon

The former service engineer has even offered to help out with maintenance and keeping the property tidy in the owners absence but was refused

Although the former service engineer offered his assistance in maintaining the property and taking care of maintenance, he was turned down

According to a spokesperson for Mid Devon District Council, the following was said by the team: “Our Enforcement Team dealt with an incident at Anstey Crescent in Tiverton in 2014. They advised that the situation did not merit a S215 (not being deemed as hazardous to the area) in 2014.

“The team received no additional complaints after that.

‘For further information and to report an alleged breach, please visit our website: https://http://www.middevon.gov.uk/residents/planning/reporting-alleged-breaches/.’

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