Almost Unbelievable...lady Lay Dead In Flat For 6 Years !

[mikey4444]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-28039848

Terrible...why did no one notice anything ?

[Peter Pedant]

Id she had set up DD's they go on paying until the money runs out....

[wolf63]

I live in a small block of 3 flats and an office. I don't know who my neighbours are. If I were to have an accident or become ill it could be a week or so before my absence was noticed.

[Baldric]

Could it be because
///"Because we thought she moved out. She owned a car - the car disappeared - so we automatically thought the lady's moved out and that was it."///

[Mamyalynne]

It is different in every case, so much depends on the relationships between neighbours on a street, how fast the turnover of occupants there are etc.

It is very sad though, I am very fortunate, live in a block of nine flats of all ages and types - we all look out for one another.

[mikey4444]

It does nothing of the sort DB. One unnamed neighbour is quoted and that is all. Where were the local Council in all this, let alone other occupants of the same building ? Was her lecky and gas meters never read ? Did nobody notice the smell ? Had she paid her Council Tax for the last 6 years ?

Lots of questions to be asked and answered it would seem to me.

[EcclesCake]

I quite get the car had gone therefore she had gone argument.

But after six years wouldn't you be wondering why there is no new neighbour?

After six years wouldn't you be concerned for the maintenance on a flat that is adjacent to yours?

[hc4361]

If she died in late autumn with no heating the smell may not have been overwhelming.
If her pension(s) were paid directly in to her bank and all her bills paid by direct debit then nothing would be amiss.
Maybe the meters can be read from outside - mine are.
She probably had no family, or any family that was in contact with.

[mikey4444]

Wolf...I don't want to pry into your personal business but why don't you know your neighbours and why don't you know them ? Anyway, a week is understandable but not 6 years !

I live alone now but all my immediate neighbours know that. I spent all of last December in my caravan in Cornwall and consequently my car was missing from my driveway, but still 2 neighbours called me on my Mobile just to be sure. I am aware of my vulnerability being single and living alone, and have taken the trouble to make sure friends and family know when I am away.

What we don't know is why, after 6 years, a Estate Agent, bailiffs, and 2 locksmiths broke in and found her. What was so different about last Tuesday that wasn't different from all the other Tuesday over the last 6 years ?

[mikey4444]

At least one of her neighbours, Ruth Evans, has the decency to express some feelings of guilt.

[Mamyalynne]

The money ran out and her Mortgage had gone unpaid.

Some of the neighbours in the block have only been there a short time, but I do take your point - we should all keep a watchful eye on each other, young or old(er).

[mikey4444]

No man, or woman is an island Mamy !

[Mamyalynne]

I agree and as I siad above, I am very lucky in that regard.

My next door neighbour is twenty years my junior and has an illness that can flare up at any time - I have spare keys and keep a watch (unobtrusively) to see if his TV goes on and off each evening, I have had to knock and then let myself in a couple of times and he has been very thankful.

We all let each other know when we are away and give family contact numbers etc - it is a safe and secure feeling.

[wolf63]

mikey - I am not too sociable. I became friends with a previous neighbour and then she kept asking me to babysit. Me and babies are not a good mix.

I am 50 (so not really really old) but don't work (apart from voluntary work) so it is not as if we pass each other on the stairs on a regular basis.

I enjoy being on my own with my little tigers for company - I have friends in real life and, of course, you lot to entertain and educate me.

[royfromaus]

No man, or woman is an island Mamy !


but Eric Pickles is trying his best.

[Zeuhl]

Is this why there's a shortage of housing for the Living?

The Government should do more to free up property being selfishly retained by dead people.

Next thing you know, we'll have thousands of immigrant dead people taking housing as well.

[mikey4444]

Ah...Pickles..the only Minister visible from space !

I am so glad wolfie. I too love living on my own, although sharing my home with a Yorkie can never really be termed living alone !

But I am fully aware that I could be like this poor old lady one day, so its wise to take some precautions, if you can.

[mikey4444]

Zeuhl....LOL ! ( but you missed out "Muslim" )

[Kromovaracun]

People aren't obliged to know their neighbours. Honestly, I think when these stories come out, the "why does nobody talk to each other?" hysteria can be a bit overblown.

I agree with divebuddy - there's a perfectly good reason nobody noticed. Her car was gone. These people do not need to wear a hair shirt or be chastised for not feeling sufficiently guilty. They haven't done anything wrong.

Regarding meter readings - I may be wrong about this, but my understanding was that electricity companies can charge you for predicted usage (based on your old readings) if whoever needs to provide meter readings does not do it. I imagine they're usually able to do a little "rounding up" with the average they come up with, so probably aren't too fussed about an excuse to overcharge someone.

[mikey4444]

But surely the smell would have warned people that something wasn't right ? When these stories come up in the press, which they do with a monotonous regularity, its nearly always a "strange smell" that is the giveaway. Last summer was an extremely warm time, that went on for weeks.