Neighbors Alarmed as Garden Becomes a Hazardous Scrapyard

Residents of a tidy cul-de-sac have expressed growing concern over a neighboring property that has transformed into a chaotic heap of junk. As some homeowners meticulously tend to their gardens, one semi-detached home appears to have morphed into a scrapyard, raising red flags among the community.

A messy garden poses serious concerns for neighbors.

Dominique Mangan, a local mother of two, has taken drastic measures in response to the overwhelming sight. She invested approximately £1,000 to erect a 5-foot fence, hoping to block the unsightly view. Unfortunately, her efforts have proven futile as the pile of rubbish continues to climb above the fence. “Rats are out in broad daylight, and I’m constantly screaming at the kids to close the door,” she lamented. “If you look out of the bedroom window, you can see them scurrying around the waste. My anxiety is through the roof, and my heart pounds just thinking about it.”

Residents report a staggering amount of clutter—suitcases, bikes, furniture, and toys—a veritable mountain of debris that spills over onto Gleave Crescent in Croxteth.

Eyesore or Environmental Concern?

The situation has persisted for around four years, with one long-time resident noting, “It’s an eyesore. And it’s getting worse, not better.” As the community grapples with what to do, the accumulation of junk has raised alarms not only for aesthetics but also for health and safety.

Cluttered garden raises health concerns.

Neighbors nearby have also taken notice, observing that the property owner frequently drives up with a van loaded with junk. One couple living across the street shared, “It was already like that when we moved in, but the situation has certainly worsened in the last couple of months. At one point, he cleared it out, but then it piled up again very quickly.”

Concerns extend beyond visual appeal; many neighbors fret about the potential impact on property values. “If you tried to sell the house and someone comes to look around, it’ll put them right off,” one resident warned. “It brings down the value of the houses here, that’s for sure. It’s an embarrassment.” Another echoed, “It will definitely affect property prices. It’s a nightmare scenario for neighbors here. People visiting always mention it and say how strange it is.”

Danger of Fire and Health Risks

The aggressive buildup of waste is also igniting fears over fire hazards, especially with Bonfire Night approaching. One concerned neighbor stated, “If anyone puts a match to that, it’ll go up like that—it’s serious. We had the fire brigade come last year over it—particularly about the cars and vans. It needs sorting.”

Health risks become a pressing issue for residents.

According to a representative from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, officers visited the property as recently as July this year. They provided fire safety advice and discussed potential risks from the materials piling up on the driveway. Their prevention team has been actively working with the family and collaborating with partner organizations to mitigate the growing issue.

Liverpool City Council has also weighed in on the matter. A spokesperson confirmed, “This issue is subject to an ongoing investigation, and we will be communicating with the affected residents accordingly.” The owner of the property has opted not to comment on the situation.