Couple who spent lockdown tidying up "dumping ground" next to their home get ticking off from Milton Keynes Council

A couple who transformed a weed and rubbish-ridden piece of council land into a peaceful haven for walkers have been chastised by the council for their efforts.
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They have been been ordered to remove the pretty plant pots and seating area they used to decorate on the Fishermead patch of land within 14 days.

And, if they refuse, they've been warned the council could take action against them.

Debbie Miller and her partner say they put up with the overgrown hedgerows, weeds and fly-tipping for years in the area behind their house in Pencarrow Place.

Debbie and her partner turned the land into a peaceful haven for walkersDebbie and her partner turned the land into a peaceful haven for walkers
Debbie and her partner turned the land into a peaceful haven for walkers

Though owned by the council, the land was not being maintained at all and was practically inaccessible due to the overgrowth, they say.

"So this lockdown we decided to be constructive and clear our little area so that people can at least walk down the path and children can get to the field to play," said Debbie.

First they cleared the straggling hedges and weeds and mowed the area into a neat lawn.

They then reused some of the dumped rubbish, upcycling it into a seating area and planters, which they filled with bedding plants.

The land was filled with dumped rubbish beforeThe land was filled with dumped rubbish before
The land was filled with dumped rubbish before

Their efforts attracted numerous compliments from people using the area for their lockdown exercise.

"They only used stuff that was dumped - they just made a horrible area look nice for the community. "But someone has complained to the council and said they are ground-nicking." said their daughter.

Yesterday (Tuesday) Debbie had a visit from two council workman to inspect the land following the complaint. This was followed a couple of hours later with an inspection by the landscape manager.

He told them they would be receiving an official letter giving them 14 days to remove the planters and other decorative items.

The hedges were so overgrown that nobody could get to the landThe hedges were so overgrown that nobody could get to the land
The hedges were so overgrown that nobody could get to the land

Debbie posted her story, together with before and after photos of the land, on social media, and it prompted dozens of comments - all of them praising her efforts and slamming the council.

There’s always one idiot that will complain," wrote one resident. "I’s a sad time when people complain about something positive that’s been done. You did good - just know that all of us normal people appreciate your time, efforts and expense at improving the neighbourhood."

The Citizen has approached the council and asked if they could have a change of heart. We are awaiting a reply.

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