CONFUSION around patchwork land ownership by private property companies, housing associations and councils is a big issue in Basingstoke, a councillor says.

Jacky Tustain, a Popley councillor for Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council (BDBC), has aired her concerns with the Gazette.

She said: "Dangerous walls that haven’t been maintained or repaired for years are accidents waiting to happen.

“Parts of our estates are falling apart, and finding out who is responsible for repairs or maintenance is a minefield. While different parties fail to accept responsibility or take forever to act, uncleared fly-tipping attracts more fly-tipping, and required repairs become more serious."

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Cllr Tustain has become increasingly worried about one wall in particular.

She continued: "One wall in Abbey Road, with barriers left up and broken brickwork lying around, is a typical example.

"After chasing around for months, it turned out it was the responsibility of Vivid. We are still waiting for Vivid to repair it. Ownership of other broken walls was passed back and forth between Basingstoke and Hampshire until finally, Hampshire took ownership. After nearly two years, we have had a dumped fridge removed from Tewkesbury Close but still have others waiting for removal by Vivid."

In relation to the wall on Abbey Road, a spokesperson for Vivid said: "We have an area of wall around a car park that needs repairing and was in the process of being fixed. Our health and safety-related repairs and those that may impact our customers in their homes have been our key focus. 

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"Unfortunately, after the wall was damaged by a car there has been further malicious damage to the area and therefore the work required is now a high priority. The work has been commissioned and safety fencing re-erected.  The planned work will mitigate future damage and ensure the safety of local residents."

On top of this, Cllr Tustain said there are currently "uneven paths due to weeds, tree root growth and other neglected and overgrown areas that attract littering and fly-tipping".

She added: For example, as Basingstoke manages weed control and Hampshire the fabric of the paths, without true collaboration, it is easy to focus solely on doing the essentials, leading to longer-term problems as weed growth damages the paving and tarmac.

“All of this impacts residents’ safety and well-being. Uneven paving makes going out dangerous. This means more people, particularly the less mobile, become isolated at home.

“This lack of effective partnership working and action creates an air of neglect and deterioration, which leads to less pride in place, poorer mental health, and rising anti-social behaviour.

“It’s potluck as to what repairs get completed and when. We need effective collaboration from all parties for day-to-day maintenance and care. All responsible bodies proactively working together would save local authorities and taxpayers money, as they would have fewer significant repairs to do."

A spokesperson for Hampshire County Council said issues should be reported online.

They said: “If there are concerns about the condition of the public highway, residents are asked to report issues to the County Council online at hants.gov.uk.

"Housing issues will generally be a matter for the borough council, or housing association, and any issues relating to walls on private property, or the maintenance of unadopted roads and footways, should be directed to the land or property owner in the first instance.”

The borough council has been contacted for comment but has not responded.