BOLTON Council's decision to prosecute a homeowner whose garden decking was just 40 centimetres above the permitted level has met with a mixed reaction from the Bolton public.

Winefrede Duffy was taken to court by the authority for not complying with an enforcement notice instructing her to lower the area at the back of her home in Bolton Road, Westhoughton.

Some have branded the action"petty" and "ridiculous", while others say the council had no choice but to pursue the matter following a complaint.

Ms Duffy, pleaded guilty to the offence, given a conditional discharge and ordered to pay legal and council costs. She has since had work done to bring the area down to the permitted height.

But after the trial she told The Bolton News that she was “surprised and bewildered” by Bolton Council’s decision to take her to court over garden decking that stood at 70 centimetres.

And many readers left on comments on our Facebook page expressing agreement with her.

Stewart Ball said: “Typical Bolton. Pick on the “small fry”. The “big fish”get away!,", while Sharon Westwood added: "Pathetic. Just shows they pick on the weak. The houses on Old Kiln Lane still standing."

And, on our website, ‘dollyblue4’ said: “Beyond belief. A decent working person is hauled before the courts and fined for what? A bit of decking too high! Meanwhile the low life vile filth who blight our neighbourhoods and make life hell for people can walk the streets untouched. Feral kids causing untold damage to property and cars and the police can't touch them.

"This story says everything about Bolton Council/planning, and society in general, in 2018! Heaven help the decent, law-abiding taxpayer."

Homeowner taken to court after building garden decking 40 centimetres too high

But not everyone was as sympathetic towards Ms Duffy and backed the council's action.

Bolton News website user 'The Watchmaker' said: "The rule about decking height is UK planning permission law. What's the council supposed to do, ignore a complaint and risk sanction and litigation?

"As for the lady whose property it is, well I hope she remembers that rules apply to everyone not just people she reads about in the news and in future she should respond to legal notices not just hope they go away.

"I imagine, but don't know, that the neighbour complained because his or her view was compromised or they could see it when they shouldn't have to."

A spokesman for Bolton Council said: “This case started in response to a complaint – we are under an obligation to investigate a complaint no matter how big or small.

“It was unfortunate that it got to this stage but we did contact the resident in an attempt to resolve the issue."