Council's Concrete Blocks Irk Woman After Legal Access Victory

An 81-year-old retired teacher has expressed anger after Derbyshire County Council placed two new concrete blocks near her home, just one week after she secured a legal victory regarding access to her property. Helene Ball won a three-year legal battle against the council in August after it fenced off a gated gap between her garden and a council-owned car park.

The dispute began in April 2023 when the council erected a fence, blocking the 98cm gap. Dozens of concrete blocks were also laid on the access road to the car park, which was on the market. A tribunal ruled in Ball's favor on August 27, stating the council had been "unreasonable" in erecting the fence and ordering it to pay £50,000 in costs, ensuring her access would not be impeded again.

However, Ball reported that two additional concrete blocks, described as "Lego-type," were placed at the rear of her home shortly after her victory. The BBC understands these blocks were intended to protect a grassed area and trees from unauthorized parking and damage once the car park's entrance is reopened. The council has apologized for any distress caused by the initial fence.

These new blocks, placed to provide a direct pathway from her gate to the road, have left Ball feeling "very annoyed." She told the BBC that the placement makes her feel like she would be trespassing if she deviated from the path, likening it to being "guided out of my back gate to the access road." She described the situation as "petty" and expressed frustration with the council's actions.

The council stated that the concrete blocks lining the roadside were part of its preparations to comply with the court's judgment. This compliance is expected to involve opening the car park entrance to restore Ball's access. The authority added that it has a duty to safeguard its legal interests in public assets and that its actions are guided by statutory duties.

Ball, who has lived in her home since 1967, expressed exhaustion from the dispute and a desire for peace in her remaining years. The case has garnered international media attention, with the story appearing in outlets in Argentina, the United States, and the Netherlands. Ball has reportedly been nicknamed "Gangsta Granny" online due to the coverage.