A housing provider has apologised for a ‘misunderstanding’ after an elderly couple were told they would have to replace panels on a fence around their exquisite garden.

Michael and Beryl Jewell live in Dunoon Drive, in the Shadsworth area of Blackburn.

The couple said they were told they would have to remove panels they had added to a fence, which separates their garden from an alleyway. 

The property itself is well known in the area and regularly visited by people from across the borough, who marvel at the butterflies adorning the building and the well-kept garden.

The couple had added panels to the existing fence which is being replaced to cover gaps in the fence, and initially thought they had been told to take these down for the work to take place.

Together Housing apologised for any misunderstanding over who would be carrying out the work, and praised the couple's garden.

Beryl said: “We have been here nearly 40 years, we have looked after this property very well.

"People think it is bought, but it still belongs to the housing provider. The garden is my husband's pride and joy.

“About six years ago, the new rubber fence was installed when the old fence was crumbling.

“About fortnight ago, they came to measure the fence and told us it would be replaced.”

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The property itself is visited by people who marvel at the butterflies adoring the building and the well-kept garden.

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The couple then got a letter the work would be conducted on Monday, February 20.

Beryl said: “My husband put wood where the gaps were, so it would be private.

"We were then told the wood had to come off and we would have to do all the work ourselves. I thought that was really unfair especially with all the effort we had put in.

“My husband has got angina, thyroid and other illnesses and he is not in good health.

“So I was frightened of him having an angina attack. We had put the extra panels on ourselves and paid for them too.”

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Panels have been replaced inside the fence to block any gaps

Beryl said the couple had spoken to someone at the housing provider this week and been told they would not have to replace the panels themselves.

She said: “That is really good news for us and we are happy the fence will be replaced.

“We know the house stands out and people are visiting it all the time. We love taking care of it.”

Angela Stuttard, Group Director of Property at Together Housing, said: “Together Housing is undertaking work in Shadsworth to improve fencing on a number of properties.

“As part of this, our contractor has met with residents to explain the work involved.

"Unfortunately, in this case, our residents were left with the impression they would need to undertake some of the work themselves. 

“This is not the case and we apologise for any misunderstandings that occurred. 

“We were sorry to hear of our residents’ distress on this matter and we commend the work they have done on their garden, something we would not want to spoil.

"Our staff have now met with the residents and explained that our contractors will undertake all the work to remove and replace fencing, making every effort to ensure plants and decorations are preserved in the process.”