Mary Roberts, a 76-year-old retired construction project manager, stopped reinforcement work on a 20-foot wall near her bungalow in Botley, Hampshire, on September 1 by blocking construction vehicles with her mobility scooter. The protest, which began when she confronted builders about the quality of their work, lasted until police were called to the scene.
Roberts stated that the builders had performed a "hatchet job" and "desecrated" nearby homes. She expressed a willingness to be arrested, saying, "I don't mind being arrested if it means I'm finally heard." She also noted that the work had damaged her sister's home, causing water leaks, and that the heavy machinery had ruined residents' gardens.
The construction firm, Walstone, reported the incident after one worker suggested Roberts could be evicted for halting the work. Despite the housing association Vivid having obtained planning permission for the project, Roberts raised concerns about the use of heavy machinery and its potential impact on the wall's stability.
According to a police spokesperson, officers were called at 8:13 a.m. on September 1 to a report of a woman blocking a building site entrance. Upon arrival, officers spoke to all parties involved, and the woman eventually moved. No crime was identified.
Matt Bellamy, Vivid's director of asset strategy and delivery, acknowledged that construction near homes can be worrying and stated that the company prioritizes customer safety and aims to minimize disruption. He added that Vivid would continue to work with residents as the repairs progress.