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Pamela Griffin claims that ever since she moved into the property, which is managed by Rochdale Borough Housing (RBH), she has been unable to access the garden. The 67-year-old added that she has no choice but to hang her laundry outside on a line attached to her house since she cannot afford to use her tumble dryer due to skyrocketing electricity bills.
RBH manages the site, which consists of numerous bungalows.
Pamela has a small fenced garden at the front of her property, but says the green railings and metal gates mean she and her neighbours cannot access the grassed area that snakes around the back of the houses, reports Manchester Evening News.
She suffers from Parkinson’s disease, back problems and diabetes, and is usually confined to her home.
Pamela said: “You can’t get onto the grass at all outside the house. Now all these bills are going through the roof we can’t afford to use the tumble dryer so want to hang out our washing outside.
“The handrail goes from the start of the house all the way around the three bungalows so there is no way we can get onto the grass. We have to try and climb under or over it, which is very difficult to do. One of my neighbours is 70, so she can’t do that either.
“I have tried to get in touch with the council and RBH and it doesn’t ever seem like anyone knows who I need to speak to. The weather has been absolutely gorgeous these past few months and there is no way we can get outside to enjoy it.”
Pamela, who says her neighbours are also suffering from not being able to access the grassed area, says that she has only requested for a small part of the railing to be removed so she can get out more easily.
The site, on Stuart Street, Middleton, is managed by RBH. They said that they will be consulting with residents to find a solution but that adjusting the railings currently would lead to concerns for the safety of residents living at the scene, many of which have visual impairments.
“All we asked for was a gap to be taken out so that we can get onto the grass or just sit out,” Pamela added. “I didn’t ask for it to be put there and all I want to be able to do is sit outside my own home.
“This has been going on since I moved in two years ago and I am fed up with it now. The weather has been gorgeous recently and we can’t even go out.”
A spokesperson for Rochdale Borough Housing association said: “The railings at Stuart Street were installed around a decade ago as a safety measure for older residents. Adjusting the railings whilst maintaining safety for current and future residents, particularly those with visual impairments, would lead to concerns about safety of those living at the scheme.
“We are looking into whether alternative access to the grassed area can be made available and will talk to residents about the best solution.”
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