Woman plans to take on council over incident involving intoxicated man falling into her living room.

A Woodbridge resident is preparing to challenge the local council after being ordered to remove window bars installed to protect her flat from repeated incidents involving intoxicated intruders, including one who fell into her living room.

A resident of Woodbridge, Suffolk, has announced plans to legally contest a directive from the local council requiring her to remove protective window bars installed in her flat at Mariners Court, New Street. The window guards were put in place following multiple incidents involving intoxicated intruders and damage to her property.

Incident Background

Tammie McNeill added handmade protective bars to her windows approximately eighteen months ago. The measure was a response to repeated cases where her windows were damaged by drunken individuals, resulting in repair costs totaling around £2,000. On one alarming occasion, an extremely intoxicated man fell through a window into her living room. In another event, she observed a window being broken while she was inside her flat watching television.

Council Enforcement Action

East Suffolk Council has ordered McNeill to remove the window bars, stating they were installed without proper planning permission or consent for alterations to a listed building. The council classified the installation as unlawful and indicated that obtaining retrospective approval is unlikely. The initial removal notice was issued in October, and after McNeill did not comply, a subsequent enforcement notice was sent this week, giving her 28 days to remove the guards or face formal action.

Impact on Resident

McNeill highlighted the personal impact of removing the bars, describing how it would significantly affect her daily life and well-being. She reported feeling constantly on edge in the evenings without the protection, and expressed concern that her health could worsen if the guards were removed. The window bars have functioned as a deterrent against both property damage and inappropriate use of the window sills, such as people placing glasses or sitting on them. McNeill stated that the guards provide a sense of security for her and her two white huskies.

Historical Property Considerations

McNeill emphasized that her flat contains historical features, with only one of the original "vulnerable" windows remaining intact. She expressed concern over balancing the preservation of the property's character with the need for personal safety.

Community and Personal Context

She also mentioned that repeated disturbances caused by rowdy groups outside her home have contributed to her anxiety. The installation of the protective bars has alleviated some of that stress for both her and her pets. McNeill clarified that her actions are focused solely on safety, not opposition to community activity or gatherings.

Next Steps

McNeill has informed the council of her willingness to take the matter to court to prevent the removal of the bars. She stated that she cannot be without the window guards and is prepared to legally challenge the council’s enforcement action.

Council Statement

East Suffolk Council has been contacted for comment regarding the enforcement action but has not released additional statements at this time.

Sources:

• Woman to fight council after 'drunk man falls into lounge'
• Woman to fight council after 'drunk man falls into lounge' (AOL)
• Woman to fight council after 'drunk man falls into lounge' (Yahoo)