An 80-year-old man has been banned from gardening outside his home and had his lawnmower confiscated following a dispute with housing group Orbit over a foot-high picket fence.
Julian Phillips transformed a "mud field" outside his Norwich block of flats into a lawn and flower garden. However, Orbit raised concerns that the fence posed a "trip hazard" and ordered its removal. The housing association also instructed Mr. Phillips to cease tending to the communal garden.
Orbit temporarily confiscated Mr. Phillips' lawnmower for five days. It was later returned, but he was reportedly told to store it in his car rather than the communal storage room.
The dispute began nearly two months prior when Mr. Phillips decided to improve the grounds around the 31-flat development. He laid turf, planted flowers, and installed the low picket fence to prevent vehicles from driving onto the new green space.
Orbit's objection cited concerns that Mr. Phillips' "quality of workmanship raises safety concerns and does not meet the required specifications and standards." Initially, the association stated the fence would be removed within seven days, but it was removed by workers three weeks later. Orbit has since informed residents that communal grounds maintenance is handled by a contractor and that residents should not undertake such work themselves.
Mr. Phillips expressed frustration, noting that no concerns were raised when he initially created the garden in July. Orbit had also promised to replace the removed fence, but Mr. Phillips stated that no replacement has been installed.
A spokesperson for Orbit stated that the association appreciates residents taking pride in their community. However, at Helgate Court, grounds maintenance is provided by a contractor. The spokesperson added, "As the gardens are a shared space, we have asked residents not to undertake maintenance activities themselves so that services can be delivered safely, consistently and fairly for everyone living at the scheme."