People banned from sitting outside home because neighbour ‘took offence’

Residents living in a block of flats have been banned from sitting outside their homes after a neighbour ‘took offence’ to it.

Several flat owners at Chatham Court, in Nottingham, were told they could no longer congregate on the path outside their homes following concerns they were blocking access for pushchairs and wheelchair users.

Martin Phillips, 65, said between six and 10 people met outside every day before the pandemic, and thought the decision by Nottingham City Homes was like they were being ‘punished’.

‘One of our neighbours took offence to it,’ he told NottinghamshireLive. ‘It’s not like it’s antisocial behaviour – it’s the opposite.

‘I’ve tried to negotiate, but we’re not allowed to sit outside our doors.

‘They said if we carried on they would take action against us.’

The group also said the gatherings helped when Covid-19 restrictions were in place, while the cover provided by their homes helped in the winter.

They have previously thrown parties together and even went on holiday as a group.

The residents added they leave enough space for others to get through, denying that the meetings block the pavement for wheelchair and pushchair users.

Mr Phillips continued: ‘We didn’t come looking for trouble, we just wanted to enjoy ourselves.’

Meanwhile Marian Joyce, 82, said the ban was ‘beyond belief’ and claimed they ‘haven’t got a say in it’.

A spokesperson for Nottingham City Homes said it understands ‘the importance of having a close-knit community’, but added that residents have now been asked to ‘congregate only on the grassed area outside of their homes’.

‘Previously they were blocking the footpath for wheelchair and pushchair users,’ it said in a statement.

‘We have also advised them to take home any furniture they bring outside, so that other people can use the public space.

‘We would also remind tenants to be mindful of noise levels so they don’t disturb other residents.’

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