A COUPLE say their lives have been blighted after the fence separating them from a building site was destroyed.
Pensioners Irene and Walter Burgon have spent thousands of pounds improving their home and gardens on Dawson Road at Newsome, including hundreds on fencing.
The house next door has been empty since the tenant died last year.
Workmen with diggers moved in to excavate the land surrounding the house in September and removed tons of earth.
Mrs Burgon, 76, said the work weakened the foundations of her fence.
It was then flattened during strong winds in January.
The Burgons have been left with nothing to separate them from what they say is an eyesore.
Mrs Burgon said: "It's a hovel.
"You get kids throwing stones at it and we've had some running through our garden.
"We can do without this sort of thing at our age. We shouldn't have to deal with it. We aren't in the best of health and it's very upsetting.
"It can be frightening."
The house is believed to have been sold by its owner, who carried out the excavation work, in the last few weeks.
Mrs Burgon has heard that the new owners now plan to demolish it and build new homes.
She said: "Before they do anything this situation needs sorting out."
Mrs Burgon and her husband, 77, have won support from local councillor Andrew Cooper.
He said: "I have every sympathy with Mr and Mrs Burgon for a situation that is not their fault.
"They are having to live next door to a building site and it's extremely unsightly.
"I have tried to act as a mediator between them and the previous owner.
"But unfortunately it hasn't been resolved.
"It's not a situation that anybody wants, but for two people of their age it is especially difficult," added Clr Cooper.
The house's former owner confirmed that it had been sold and added the fence had been blown down by strong winds.
But she did not want to comment further.
