A GANG of green-fingered neighbours have finally got rid of the jungle blanketing a resident’s home that has blighted them for years.
The property in Ramsgate, Kent, was covered in crawling greenery, trees and out-of-control shrubs, creating an overwhelming eyesore.
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The front of the home was barely visible after being buried in foliage – but now the porch has pride of place.
Locals rallied together to help the unidentified homeowner clean up his act and his home after images of the cluttered pad went viral.
The property has now been given a new lease of life and some breathing room after the masses of shrubbery were stripped away.
Previous dramatic snaps show vines tangled around a van, car and even a BOAT that had been dumped outside the home.
But they have now been weeded out by the determined bunch – to reveal a charming terraced home that had been suffocated by the undergrowth.
Although previous attempts to contact the mysterious homeowner by Thanet District Council have proven unsuccessful, it seems the man has admitted defeat.
The local authority previously said an inspection of the property was to take place, where it would be determined if there were grounds for any legal enforcement.
Now it seems the steps to tend to the wilderness have gone ahead, with unbelievable new images showing the home’s progress.
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It is barely recognisable compared to the shocking pictures of the property engulfed in greenery – that caused nightmares for neighbors.
One local said a resident was forced to rebuild their garden wall after it succumbed to the pressure of the plants.
The homeowner had previously trimmed some of the wild exterior after it began creeping onto other properties.
Pals of the man described him as “lovely and well-kept”, saying he could do what he likes with the house.
But the lack of communication between him and Thanet District Council left some locals frustrated.
Neigbours earlier told The Sun that posties had given up trying to deliver mail and squirrels had set up camp in the van on the drive.
One said: “The locals are aware of it, the PCSOs and the fire brigade have been round a few times.
“The post office doesn’t even bother anymore, if they get anything for him they mark it all undeliverable.
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“I don’t understand how there is no responsibility for it, you have people walking up and down picking up litter.
“It isn’t as bad as it was, it has been cut down a bit. But the front is completely overgrown.”
Other locals said the owner of the home was an “enigma” and kept himself to himself.
Rena Reves, 40, chimed in: “I’ve lived here for 12 years and it’s always been like this.
“There used to be a little path that went up to the front door but that’s long gone. I think squirrels live in one of the vans at the front of the garden.
“The problem is when it starts affecting other people, you can live how you like until then.
“Some of the vines have started going to the chimney of the other house, and if it gets into the brickwork that won’t be any good.
“He is very much is a recluse who keeps himself to himself.”
What can you do if your neighbour’s hedge takes over your garden?
You are allowed to trim back any branches or roots that cross into your property from a neighbour’s property or a public road.
But you can only trim up to what’s yours.
If you go beyond your property boundary you might get in trouble with whoever owns the further space, and in the worst case scenario, you could be taken to court for damage caused.
Solicitors at Bonallack and Bishop explain: “There are no hard and fast rules with regards to boundary ownership, and the only way to find out who owns a boundary border is to check the deeds at the Land Registry.
“However, if one neighbour can prove that they’ve been the one to maintain the border over the years, without the consent of the legal owner, they may be able to prove ownership under the principle of adverse possession.”
Before you even reach for the shears though, you’ll have to check the hedge isn’t protected by a tree preservation order either – and if that’s the case you’ll need the council’s permission instead.
If something needs to be done, this will be issued in the form of a Remedial Notice.
Councils have the power to fine householders up to £1,000 if they refuse to comply with orders to cut hedges back.
She added: “When he does leave he has to go through the back because the front is so overgrown.
“He did cut some of it back when another neighbour asked, when they moved in a few years ago.
“It’s just always been like that for as long as I can remember.”
But some locals thought that more needs to be done about the property, claiming the shrubbery sometimes forces people to walk on the road.
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One said: “People used to have to walk in the road to get around it and it just isn’t safe.
“I can’t understand how it has been left to get like this, how is there not some duty by the council or anyone else. “
A spokesman for Thanet District Council said at the time: “We are aware of the situation at the property on Boundary Road, Ramsgate and our Empty Homes Team has attempted to engage with the owner on more than one occasion, unfortunately without success.
“A council inspector will be visiting the property to assess the current position and to determine whether we have recourse to any legal enforcement.
“Our primary aim will be to bring the property back into residential use, it could provide a much needed home in this time of ever growing housing needs.”
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