Couple fear garden in danger of collapsing

A couple's back shed has been left precariously balanced after a developer excavated land underneath to build an adjoining property.

Emma Bytheway and her partner Mark Scragg claim part of their Rugeley garden has suffered subsidence and fear a heavy downfall of rain will wash away the end of it.

The garden had two rear fences, erected by the previous occupants, forming a run for their dogs. But the developer has removed the back panels, leaving the property insecure.

The couple say they cannot let their four-year-old son or new puppy play in the garden as a result.

Project manager Miss Bytheway, aged 32, also claims an overhead canopy next to the shed, once supported by the fence, has been left propped up by beams, exposing a three-foot drop on the other side.

Cannock Chase Council has given permission for the construction of a pair of semi-detached houses on former derelict land at the back of homes on Hislop Road.

But to prepare the ground, property developer Graham Elwell has levelled out the site, digging into land at the back of their gardens.

At least one other resident has complained about the work.

She said: "We don't want to get into a boundary dispute.

"He claims our garden overhangs his land by six inches.

As far as we're concerned, he can have it but the way he has gone about things is very distressing.

"The way it is left, someone could get injured. There is no health and safety signage in place, or fencing to secure the drop."

Mr Elwell, who also runs a family transport business, said the matter was in the hands of his lawyers.

Cannock Chase Council's planning services manager John Heminsley said: "We are requiring the developer to put in some form of retaining wall or structure to make the development safe. The council has a duty to ensure the development is finished off in an appropriate manner. We are waiting to see plans from Mr Elwell's architect."

Mr Elwell said: "We haven't taken anyone's land.

"I'm not going to be questioned about this. It's with our lawyers and I am not going to make any further comment."