Two-Year Neighbour Dispute Creates 'Living Hell'
A residential complex for over-55s in Walsall has been described as a 'living hell' as a bitter neighbourly dispute has escalated over more than two years, involving alleged assaults and multiple police call-outs.
Newmore Gardens, the scene of the ongoing conflict, has reportedly become a battleground, with two residents claiming they were assaulted since May 2023.
Elderly Resident Assaulted in Confrontation
Margaret Morgan, an 82-year-old resident, told how the dispute reached a critical point in December 2023. She heard her neighbours arguing and went outside, where she claims she was 'pushed to the floor'.
Mrs Morgan alleges that a different neighbour came to her aid and called the emergency services, but during the incident, she was 'kicked and smashed in the face'. This left her with facial bruising and required hospital treatment.
However, a letter from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) seen by BirminghamLive presented a different account. It stated that a man accused Mrs Morgan of 'shoving' his partner. The man claimed he 'acted in defence' by intervening, after which Mrs Morgan 'grabbed him' and they 'both fell to the floor'.
The CPS lawyer concluded that available CCTV footage did not disprove this version of events and potentially supported it. The case was subsequently stopped due to insufficient evidence for a prosecution.
Ongoing Conflict and Institutional Response
In the aftermath, Margaret Morgan says she was forced to sign an 'acceptable behaviour contract' with the housing provider, Green Square Accord (GSA).
She claims the dispute has continued unabated in the months and years that have followed, turning her life into a nightmare. "From then on, my life has been hell," Mrs Morgan stated. "This has got to stop. They want me to move, but I'm not going to move. I'm 82, I can't just up and move like that. I've done nothing wrong. I've tried to go about it the right way. The police have let me down."
West Midlands Police confirmed they are actively investigating reports of anti-social behaviour, assault, and harassment following complaints from a resident on Newmore Gardens. A spokesperson said they would "liaise closely with the complainant as our enquiries continue."
A spokesperson for the CPS reiterated their duty to keep cases under review, stating the evidence provided at the time "did not meet our legal tests for a prosecution."
Meanwhile, a GSA spokesperson declined to comment on the individual case but emphasised they "treat anti-social behaviour as a priority" and have a "victim-centred approach." They directed any dissatisfied customers to their official complaints process.
