Council fix Hemel veteran's fence after criticism from neighbour

David Try, a friend and neighbour of 92-year-old Steven McCarthy - who lives in a council house in Grassy Close - called the council after he noticed that one of the fence panels needed fixing.

The fence in Steven's back garden was damaged during Storm Ciara at the weekend.

David was told the council would not be able to fix the broken fence and he says he was unhappy with the way they handled the situation.

He said: "Steven lives down the road from me, he has served his country, he is 92, and we noticed that part of his fence has blown down.

"I am looking after the house for Steven so I called the council and explained the situation and asked if they would be able to come out and fix the fence for him.

"They said they were unsure who owned the house next door and Steven would need to contact the land registry.

"It is ridiculous, he is a 92-year-old man, could they not just come out and fix it for him.

"He is a veteran, who is sick, where is the compassion from them. He is a brave old man and he is much loved by everyone here.

"What will it take for the council to show some compassion and help this man out?"

On Thursday, after the Gazette approached the council to comment on David's complaint, they contacted him to say someone would be out to fix the fence.

A spokesman for the council said: "We are working with our contractor Osborne to get this fence repaired as a priority."

David added: "It is getting fixed now but the attitude was all wrong when I first rang up.

"It is a council house, it is their responsibility, and they have a duty of care for the elderly, they should have just sorted it straight away."