Neglected house infuriating Blackbrook neighbours for 20 years

Following the death of a man on Bosworth Road around twenty years ago, his property is said to have been left to her family but has since become an increasing problem as it has been left empty and neglected for decades.

With neighbours reporting that the Blackbrook property has not been looked after for years, its garden and weeds have become completely overgrown and affecting neighbouring properties.

After the reported lack of care, the property's walls are also said to have started to crumble in certain areas, while the roofing and guttering are also "falling into disrepair".

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Neighbours say the property has been falling into disrepair for decades (Image: Julie Moore)
On top of the visual blight of the property, its continuing state of disrepair has also had an impact on several neighbouring properties.

Neighbours have reported that they have had to pay to repair fences and stop branches growing into their gardens, while the guttering issues are reported to have caused damp and damage to the next door neighbour's home.

The neglected property is also believed to have attracted rats and vermin in the area, while its window is said to have been smashed and garden shed vandalised.

Although the neighbours say this has been reported to the council and police for more than a decade, they are growing increasingly frustrated as they say "nothing is being done" and the issues are "devaluing other properties".

The property has also suffered roof and gutter damage (Image: Julie Moore)
One neighbour, Julie Moore, said: "Everyone has been complaining and going mad about the house for years, and it is devaluing all the other properties.

"Everything is overgrown and the walls are crumbling, and the roof and guttering has gone. It's also had windows smashed and has been broken into a few times but nothing is being done, it's a joke.

"I've paid out for roofing, fencing, and tree surgeons for the issues affecting my home, but really I'm paying for someone else's property and I don't know how long this is going to go on for. 

"I have a disability and the amount of pressure it's putting on me and my family is immense. Every day I see it and it stresses me out."

Windows have been put through at the property (Image: Julie Moore)
Although the house is a private property, so not in social housing control, the council said that they are aware of the issues and explained that there are ways that it could be reclaimed.

The council say that the homeowner will be contacted about the state of the house, while the overgrown garden and reports of rats and vermin may also lead to an Environmental Health investigation.

The property's shed is also falling into disrepair (Image: Julie Moore)
A St Helens Council spokesperson said: “Our Empty Homes Strategy provides a range of tools and powers to help tackle the issue of long-term, privately owned, vacant properties.

"This property was first flagged to us in January this year, and arrangements have since been made for our Empty Homes Service to carry out a site visit this week.

“Officers will look to ensure that the property is secure and determine if there are any issues that may warrant intervention by environmental health.

"We will try to establish contact with the property owner to ascertain their intentions for the property and remind them of their obligations as owner to maintain their property.

“If you are affected by a vacant property, please get in touch by emailing emptyhomes@sthelens.gov.uk.”

The council say it is aware of the property issues (Image: Julie Moore)