'I want my fish pond and other things to stay put in my garden'

A BRADFORD woman is urging her landlord to let her keep installations outside her house which she says improve her mental health.

Jody Woolner lives in a property on Coxwold Walk, Allerton, which is managed by Incommunities.

Jody said she created a fish pond and put in some planters for growing strawberries and flowers in the communal garden outside her house, adding that they have been there for 10 years.

Jody at the fish pond she has created (Image: Newsquest/Mike Simmonds)

But Incommunities has now written to the 35-year-old saying the items - which also include a garden swimming pool and a fire pit - present safety hazards and must be removed.

Jody said: "My garden has been like this for 10 years so I don't understand why suddenly it's such a problem.

"I love my garden as it is and it really helps my mental health - using the planters I enjoy growing strawberries and flowers, and I've built myself a pond with fish in it. I can't just get rid of them easily.

(Image: Newsquest/Mike Simmonds)

"I call it my Grandad Garden. My grandad is no longer with us but he loved gardening.

"None of my neighbours have a problem with my garden - it's just Incommunities that do.

"I want these things to stay put in my garden."

Jody enjoys growing strawberries and flowers in her garden (Image: Newsquest/Mike Simmonds)

An Incommunities spokesperson said: "We understand the personal value that Jody places on her garden and the emotional connection she has with it. 
 
"However, our primary concern must always be safety and accessibility for all tenants. The garden in question is a communal space shared among four properties, and we have guidelines in place to ensure these shared areas remain clear and safe for everyone. 
 
"Unfortunately, the garden contains several installations, which present safety hazards, including trip, fire, and obstruction risks.

"We are committed to ensuring that all communal areas are safe and accessible for everyone."

Jody added that she had been complaining about damp in her house for 10 years.

Damp in Jody's property (Image: Newsquest/Mike Simmonds)

"That's still not sorted," she said.

"They're quick to complain about my garden all of a sudden but they've not been quick to sort the damp.

"It's not good enough."

More damp in her home (Image: Newsquest/Mike Simmonds)

The Incommunities spokesperson said: "We understand Jody's frustration and apologise for any distress this has caused.

"Our records indicate that concerns around damp and mould were received last year, and we attempted to rectify the issue at that time.

"A further inspection took place earlier this month and we're liaising directly with Jody to organise a suitable date for the work to take place."