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 ?

[joko]

i agree, i dont understand this notion that we should all know the ins and outs of our neighbours ... there is no 'shoud' about it - if we want to fine, if we dont equally fine

the neighbours are not at all guilty

how is noticing a terrible smell 'in good time' any more caring and community spirited than not noticing?
nothing kind or neighbourly about noticing a stench...
fact is there cant have been much of a smell if no-one noticed it = maybe the house was either very well sealed, or very open to dispell the smell

the body probably wont have smelled for the whole 6 years, once its dried up etc ?


i know my immediate neighbours by sight and to nod to, but i have no idea of wider neighbours and i havent a clue what their cars are - and i would ONLY know if my neighbours had died if there was a smell - guess that makes me neighbour of the year ...?

[naomi24]

Mikey, //You are quite right naomi...why would people be neighbourly !//

No need for sarcasm. That’s not what I meant at all. People live their own way. Some make it their business to know everyone else’s business – others prefer to mind their own business. Neighbours can’t be held responsible for the welfare of strangers, however close by they live.

[Prudie]

I don't understand why all this guilt is being layed at 'neighbours'. Apart from immediate 3 I have no idea who my neighbours are or their cars, I'm still a nice person and share chores and chats with those I do know. In this case surely the questions should be asked of professional bodies - did she not have a bank account, pensions, unpaid utility bills and rent? Now how that went on for 6 years is more disgraceful.

[Ratty2E]

She obviously did have unpaid bills eventually as that's why the bailiffs broke in. If she'd have had more money in her account who knows how much longer she might have lain there. I live in an area with quite a few elderly people as neighbours it doesn't take much effort to introduce yourself when you move in and if they are alone to offer occasional help with stuff. They could be someone's mum or dad and I would hate to think no one would keep an eye out for my mum. It's not just the elderly though, look out for Dreams of a life if you've not seen it about a young girl who lay dead in her flat for 2 years and no one noticed. http://www.theguardian.com/film/2011/oct/09/joyce-vincent-death-mystery-documentary

[Prudie]

Yes obviously she did have unpaid bills, my point is it took 6 years for that to surface and why.

[Canary42]

I feel sorry for the Chelsea-shirted neighbour who identified her - and how could he be certain anyway ?

But to try to apportion any blame is typical of "the modern way" - a sad indication of the society we have become. But oh no, we can't let it go, must start a witch hunt against the neighbours, the authorities, etc etc etc.

[youngmafbog]

This is round the corner from where my mother in law lived and where my dentist is and the local Tesco mini. It is quite a close knit community but some do prefer to keep themselves to themselves and people there do not force themselves on you.

I spent 2 months developing my MIL house after she died. I did not get to see all the neighbours at all. Houses are quite closely packed and there are flats too so a lot of people.

I can confirm all meters are outside. I'm not sure why the council would be involved, most people round there are self sufficient not on benefits or state care and get on with their own lives.

Still difficult to understand why someone didnt suspect something though. When my MIL was in her last years as an Alzheimer sufferer the neighbours were great and very understanding.