Overgrown land used as burglar hideout

Ian Graham drags his bin through the jungle

FED-UP residents say a plot of land neglected for almost a decade is making their lives a misery.

Householders who live next to the eyesore, on Eaves Lane, Chadderton, say it’s like a jungle, overgrown with bushes and weeds.

One resident burgled three times says thieves use the overgrown space to hide. The resident, who didn’t want to be named, said: “The land is an absolute jungle. It’s probably been that way for a decade. Not only does it look a mess but it’s dangerous. Burglars are definitely hiding in the bushes and waiting for the right time.”

The land is home to old, crumbling allotments: “The allotments are falling apart and just attract trouble,” he added. “Not too long ago we had a couple of drug addicts living in one of the garages. This is all going on next to our homes. We should not have to put up with this mess.”

Ian Graham (63), who also lives on Eaves Lane with his wife, suffers with arthritis.

Ian recently had a knee-replacement operation and is waiting for a second, but has to drag a wheelie bin through the overgrown area.

Ian said: “There’s no other way for me to take my bin out. I fell over not too long ago. Grass and weeds got caught around my leg and I hit the ground hard. This is not our mess but it is making us miserable.”

Residents have contacted Oldham Council Councillor Barbara Brownridge, Cabinet member for neighbourhoods, said: “The council will do all it can to help the community and officers are working to resolve this situation. We can only do so much because we have limited resources and powers when it comes to privately-owned land like this.”

The 83-year-old landowner said the land is up for sale as she isn’t able to maintain it