A Kent couple's dream holiday turned into a nightmare when they returned to find their home illegally boarded up by the council in a shocking case of mistaken identity.
Ben and Tanya Robinson had been enjoying a well-deserved break when they received the gut-wrenching news that their Dartford property had been sealed shut by Dartford Borough Council workers.
The Shocking Discovery
'We were absolutely devastated,' Ben Robinson told reporters. 'We came back from what should have been a relaxing holiday to find our home completely inaccessible. The council had put metal boards over every window and door without any warning or verification.'
The couple immediately contacted the council, only to discover the horrifying truth: officials had targeted the wrong property entirely. What should have been a routine procedure for a neighbouring abandoned house instead became a bureaucratic nightmare for the innocent homeowners.
Council's Astonishing Admission
Dartford Borough Council later admitted their catastrophic error, confirming they had mistakenly identified the Robinson's well-maintained home as an abandoned property requiring securing.
'This is beyond incompetence,' fumed Tanya Robinson. 'We're talking about people's homes, their sanctuaries. The council didn't even bother to check basic details or ownership records before destroying our sense of security.'
Homeless and Fighting for Justice
The couple were left temporarily homeless, forced to find emergency accommodation while fighting to have their property restored to its original condition.
Council workers eventually returned to remove the boarding, but the emotional and psychological damage had already been done. The Robinsons are now pursuing compensation for the distress, inconvenience, and costs incurred.
'This isn't just about money,' Ben explained. 'It's about accountability. How can residents trust local authorities when such fundamental errors occur without proper checks and balances?'
Broader Implications for Homeowners
The incident raises serious questions about council procedures and homeowner rights across the UK. Housing experts warn that this case highlights systemic issues in local government property management.
Dartford Borough Council has launched an internal investigation into the blunder, but for the Robinsons, the memory of returning to a fortress-like home will linger long after the physical boards are gone.
