A mother undergoing treatment for breast cancer has criticised her neighbours after they complained about her “messy” garden, which is strewn with children’s toys.
Philippa Smith, 42, a widow living in a Grade 1 listed building, received the complaint from the building’s management company ahead of its heritage weekend.
Ms Smith, from Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland, said she was stunned by the complaint, noting that her lawn is regularly mowed by a gardener and that her children’s toys are put away when not in use.
‘I just think it’s petty’
“I just think it’s petty. While we do live in a Grade I-listed building and there’s some beautiful parkland around, it’s my private garden and it is a lived-in property, not a National Trust property,” she said.
“I got the email saying there had been some comments about my garden and that I needed to do something about it. I was surprised they were making such a big deal out of it.”
Ms Smith said she believes her neighbours object to the presence of her two children and three dogs. “We are the only family living here and I think my neighbours don’t like the fact we have two children and three dogs,” she added.
‘They could have some empathy’
“I’m a widow with two small children and I’m going through treatment for breast cancer. They could have some empathy and understanding for the fact I got a lot on my plate at the moment.”
Ms Smith was widowed in 2023 following the death of her husband, Royal Navy officer Lieutenant Commander Richard Smith. She said she thinks her neighbours would prefer her property to be occupied by retirees.
After receiving the email, Ms Smith replied politely stating her case and said she is yet to hear back. She called on her neighbours to gain “a bit of perspective” as her children played outside during the hot summer.
Online support
Ms Smith posted a video online about the complaint, which racked up 42,000 views. The response has been largely supportive, with many believing the neighbours were overreacting.
One commenter wrote: “I was expecting a jungle, your neighbours have too much time on their hands! Send invites to them for a garden party.” Another said: “Tell them they can tidy it up for you if they want to.” A third added: “They have nothing better to do.”
The management company said: “[The hall] is a Grade 1 listed property with grounds managed and maintained by [the] Management Company. As a residential management company, we have a duty of care to all residents at [the] hall and to protect the privacy and confidentiality of our community, we do not comment publicly on individual residents or private internal communications.”
It added: “The management company acts impartially to ensure that standard lease agreements and guidelines are respected. These policies exist simply to maintain a safe, peaceful, and well-kept environment for all residents, including families.”
