How can we make the owner clean up?

[Velvetee]

We live in a semi detached property at the end of the road, so no adjoining properties, except a piece of land, which adjoins the side of the house.

This land belongs to someone else, but he is unable to obtain planning permission to build on it. The land is very overgrown and is used as a general dumping ground. We have also had problems with rats, because of the mess.

We have approached the council about the problem and so have some of our neighbours, but they don't seem interested, as it's private land. What can we do to make the land's owner clean it up?

[Ice.Maiden]

If rats've been seen, then the Environmental Health people should come down if you give them a ring. Once they see the mess, they'll probabl;y have a word with the landowner.

[Velvetee]

Yes the Enviro came and just put rat poison down and told us to seal entry points. We found a dead one under the stairs and had one in the kitchen.

[Ice.Maiden]

Are there any sheds on this piece of land - or anywhere where rats might nest? I'm amazed the EH people didn't look round it. I'd have another go with them hun.

[Velvetee]

There is an old air raid shelter, but the Enviro, said they cannot go onto the land as it's private property and they would have to seek permission from the owner. It's a real pain.

[Ice.Maiden]

Oh dear!!! I'm not sure how you stand with this one, but it might help if someone else's also seen, or had rats, and then you could complain together. If it was me, i think I'd make a writen complaint to the head of the department, saying that you aren't satisfied with the answer you've been given. If permission's needed to access the private land - which it probably is - then the EH can SEE that they need to have a word with the owner. I'd also point out the very real possibility of catching Weil's Disease, and see what they have to say. x

[legend006]

I dont believe theres anything you can do.
I remember watching a life of grime.
after lots of court action they cleared an old guys house and garden.

months later it was exactly the same.


soory but youre stuck

[Ice.Maiden]

Awww.....but rats carry such dangerous diseases. I don't like the thought of them being poisoned, because i've seen it done, and it's not a pretty sight, but once they start coming into your property, it's time to take action.

[LBerry]

You could find the owner of the land from the land registry and ask him/her to clean up the site. If you meet a brick wall after speaking/writing to them, threaten a civil case against them for the impact it is having on the value of your property, and the risk posed by vermin.

[tezestwing]

could you strim it down a bit and stick an old shed or similar on it ,I bet the owner would soon be round if they dont it could be yours after so many not sure? years.
HTH Tez

[Velvetee]

The worst thing was, seeing the little muddy rat paw prints over my saucepans.