An 86-year-old resident of a retirement housing complex in Norwich has threatened to chain herself to a 1ft-high picket fence after housing group Orbit ordered its removal. The fence surrounds a communal garden at Helgate Court, which houses 31 flats adapted for mobility aid and wheelchair users, with a Careline alarm service.
Residents angered by removal order
Julian Philips, 80, erected the knee-high fence to add character and prevent cars from driving over the flower garden. He spent two weeks digging up a muddy area to lay grass and plant new flowers. Orbit, however, gave residents seven days to take down the fence, citing safety concerns and poor workmanship.
Philips said: 'I'll be annoyed if it is removed because I don't want people driving over the garden again. The fence is here to protect it.' He added that all residents are happy with the garden's transformation and that no one has complained about the fence being a trip hazard.
Resident vows to chain herself to fence
Pauline Taylor, 86, praised Philips' work as 'brilliant' and said the garden now feels like home. She stated defiantly: 'I'll chain myself to it – that's what I'll do.' She criticized Orbit for not considering residents' well-being, noting the garden was previously a mud field.
Orbit responds
An Orbit spokesperson said they supported residents by providing turf for the garden, which their team laid. However, the fence was added without agreement from other customers and extends into a parking space. Helgate Court has 31 homes but only six parking spaces, so every space matters. Several customers expressed concerns about parking and safety for those using walking aids or mobility scooters.
Orbit vowed to find a solution in collaboration with residents, allowing the garden to remain. The removal deadline of July 10 has been delayed while residents consider a safe alternative.
