Couple being 'bullied and pushed out' of their home over problems with access and services

A GRIMSBY couple claim they are being "bullied and pushed out" of the home they have loved for 14 years at the heart of the Saltings allotments.

Richard Wright, 71, and his wife Rose, 63, say it would "break their hearts" to move out of Willow Cottage – known locally as the Black House – on the Littlefield Lane site, but feel they may have no choice.

For a number of years, the couple say they have had issues with allotment holders locking the main gate to the site, preventing deliveries and visitors getting to the house.

They also claim they have problems with access to the rear of their home, after a fence was erected so close to the Shoreline-owned property, visitors driving to the house don't have enough room to get out of their vehicles.

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Parking is also an issue, as the couple's house backs on to the allotment holders' communal car park and they have no allocated space, meaning they often find themselves unable to park near their own home.

However, they claim the final straw came when they were informed North East Lincolnshire Council would no longer be sending the usual bin lorry to their home, in case it damaged the roads on the site.

Mr Wright, who has limited mobility after having a double hip replacement and suffering from an elongated Achilles tendon and osteoarthritis, said: "They told us that someone had made a formal complaint that they believed the road through the site was being damaged by the bin lorries coming to the property. There are bigger wagons delivering compost and manure, so I don't know why they are singling out the bin lorries.

"It was suggested they could chain our bin to the main gate and we could either take our rubbish down there in the car or walk to the gate."

Mrs Wright added: "We are entitled to the same services everyone else is. We love it here. This is our home and we have spent a lot of time and money making it our own.

"Now we feel as though we are being bullied and pushed out. If we had to leave, it would break our hearts, but it's affecting Richard's health now. We may not have a choice."

However, after being contacted by the Grimsby Telegraph, a spokeswoman for the council said a representative was going to see the couple to arrange for a smaller vehicle to collect their rubbish – though it may not be on a weekly basis.