Fed-up homeowners have defied their local council by building an illegal wall to keep out troublemakers.
The residents in Blackburn say they were forced to construct the barricade to protect themselves from drug addicts who have thrown needles into their gardens.
They also cite problems with yobs who have launched burning bins and mattresses over their fences in Lancashre.
The wall has been built without permission and extends 9ft onto public playing fields in the Little Harwood suburb. However, not everyone agrees with the action, and a neighbour has reported them to Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council.
The row revolves around the play area of Philips Road
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Two homeowners, Michael Casey and Ismael Lunat, have constructed the wall and have now been ordered by the council to tear it down. The pair have vowed to appeal the decision and have sent the council photographic evidence of young troublemakers starting fires near their properties.
They've also documented rat infestations and other problems affecting their homes on Woodville Road. Casey, a 63-year-old plumber, has lived in his home for 40 years and insists the council has never maintained the land in question.
He told MailOnline: "It is ludicrous. 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 throw them over.
"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."
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Woodville Road
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Lunat, who has not yet completed his portion of the wall, expressed similar concerns about safety. He said: "We don't feel safe in our own homes. We are worried someone will throw burning rubbish over."
He described the council's demand to remove the wall as "a crazy decision" and confirmed they are appealing.
Despite being ordered to demolish the structures on council-owned land, the homeowners have received support from other residents in the area.
Some neighbours believe they are being unfairly punished for addressing problems the council has failed to resolve.
Neighbour Dave Mulrooney, 58, has voiced strong support for the wall builders, adding: "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."
Mulrooney added: "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."
GB News has approached Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council for a comment.
