A 79-YEAR-OLD woman has described the hell of living next door to an abandoned property repeatedly targeted by squatters.

Ann Richards, of Bishops Road in Great Lever, says she is reaching breaking point after the bungalow next to her home was left empty by its owner 13 years ago and is now a home to squatters wreaking havoc.

Mrs Richards said: “I don’t need this, I’m nearly 80. I have lived in my home for 24 years but I feel threatened there. There are squatters and homeless people living in the property.

“I have had my house broken into three times. I’ve had people banging on my door. I can hear people in there at 2am.

“I can’t say they are the ones that broke in but it’s I don’t think it’s a coincidence.”

Mrs Richards says that windows have been broken at the property, the garden is overgrown and the pathway is filled with beer cans and other litter.

She says she has contacted the council several times but has seen no progress — eight years since she first complained.

She said: “The council have done nothing so far. I’m still hoping it will do something after all these years.”

“It is such a shame. Someone could make something really nice of it.”

“I was really thinking of downsizing, I don’t need all this space now my husband is in a nursing home. My concern is that if I want to sell my house with that next door, there is no chance. It’s getting me down.”

A Bolton Council spokesman said these problems take a long time to solve: “We understand the frustration being caused by this empty property and we are using all the enforcement powers available to us to resolve the issue. The council has previously carried out improvement work on the property and invoiced the owners for the work done.

“We are currently working towards a permanent solution to ongoing problems, however there are legal processes to follow that can take a significant time to complete. We appreciate the patience of those living nearby as we work towards resolving this matter.”