Fed-up homeowners have defied their local council to build an illegal wall to keep out the menace of fire-starting yobs, drug users and fly-tippers.
Residents say they have been forced to build the barricade in Blackburn, Lancashire, to protect them from drug addicts who have thrown needles into their gardens and thugs who have launched burning bins and mattresses.
Two homeowners, Michael Casey and Ismael Lunat, have constructed the wall without permission and it encroaches 9ft onto public playing fields in the suburb of Little Harwood.
Not everyone agrees with the crusade and one of their neighbours reported them to Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council who have now ordered them to tear it down.
But Mr Casey and Mr Lunat have vowed to appeal and have sent the council photos of young yobs starting a fire and rats near their houses on Woodville Road.
Mr Casey, a 63-year-old plumber, told : ‘It is ludicrous. I have lived her for 40 years and the council have never come out to tend that land.
‘It is madness – we have not done it to extend our gardens but to protect our homes.
‘When my grandchildren come round I have to check my garden for needles as drug users thrown them over.
‘We’ve had all sorts – rat infestations from all the rubbish people leave when they fly-tip.
‘I am convinced the wall will solve the problem as it will create a barrier and I will put in plants and flowers that will attract wildlife.
‘Surely that is better than what we have now.’
His neighbour Mr Lunat, who has not yet finished his part of the wall, said: ‘We don’t feel safe in our own homes.
‘We are worried someone will throw burning rubbish over. We are appealing the council’s decision. It is a crazy decision.’
Despite being ordered to rip down the walls on council-owned land, they have the support of neighbours who say they are being unfairly punished.
Neighbour Dave Mulrooney, 58, said: ‘It’s madness. ‘They are doing the right thing but they are being punished.
‘The council haven’t bothered to sort out any of the problems.
‘I’ve seen a rat as big as a small dog. We’ve had infestations of the things because of the rubbish that people dump outside out homes.
‘These are good people doing the right thing – the council should be supporting them not trying to stop them.
‘I don’t know who has complained. Another neighbour built a wall that was even bigger about eight years ago and that’s still there.’
The council have been approached for comment.