A NOTORIOUS hoarder has been evicted by police – but the chaos surrounding his rusting collection of classic cars continues to frustrate residents.
The cars, some of which are decades old and in dire condition, clog up Livingstone Road and Norbury Road in Thornton Heath, Croydon, south London.
For over 20 years, the unnamed hoarder has been collecting a fleet of vehicles, including vintage BMWs, Rolls Royces, Daimlers, and Bentleys.
Many of the cars are in disrepair – rusting, peeling and literally held together with tape – making them unsightly and dangerous.
Residents report that several vehicles are untaxed with one last registered in 1988.
Although police recently evicted the hoarder from his rented property, the cars remain.
“He was evicted a week ago and police removed four of his cars,” said Cally Robinson, 25, a nearby resident.
“But he came back with four others. These cars have been here for over 20 years and take up way too much space.”
Iqbal Jah, 70, who lives next door to the now-boarded-up property, recalls the repeated arguments the hoarder had with neighbours about his sprawling collection.
Iqbal said: “He’s been a nightmare. Even when he was renting there was constant commotion about his cars.”
Neighbours are fed up with the impact on their community.
Deborah Robinson, 47, described the cars as an “utter eyesore” and claimed the hoarder continues to check on and clean the vehicles despite his eviction.
“These cars are falling apart and yet he won’t let go of them,” she said.
Connor Robinson, 24, highlighted the danger and disruption caused by the cars.
“They’re scattered everywhere,” he said.
Others reported issues with emergency vehicle access claiming fire engines and ambulances struggle to navigate the congested roads.
Emily Holding, a resident in her 50s, described how the vehicles have affected the area.
She said: “It feels like living in a scrapyard. My business has suffered because people assume the neighbourhood is unsafe.
“The council has done nothing even though this has been an issue for years.
“We’ve even had to coordinate where and when we park because his cars take up so much space.”
These cars have been here for over 20 years and take up way too much space.
Cally Robinson
Residents say the council has removed vehicles in the past only for the hoarder to bring more.
The problem has persisted for decades with as many as 18 vehicles parked along the two streets and in the driveway of the hoarder’s former property.
His rented garage is also reportedly crammed with motorcycles, a go-kart and other debris.
Emergency access remains a significant concern with neighbours citing instances where fire engines were delayed due to the blocked roads.
“This is a hazard waiting to happen,” said Miss Holding.
The main thing to consider when it comes to the law on parking and also recommendations from the Highway Code is that is all comes down to common sense and good manners in the main.
While people look upon it as an “unwritten rule” that the owner of a house should be entitled to park directly outside, that’s sadly all it is.
Even in the case of someone blocking your driveway, it is only a common courtesy not to park directly in front of it, giving the property owner access to their own drive.
The Highway Code, paragraph 207, asks that people DO NOT park their vehicle where it might cause an obstruction to other pedestrians or road users, and cites the example of not parking in front of another person’s driveway.
In essence, while there are certain rules and regulations under the Highway Code relating to parking on public highways, mostly it’s a matter of common decency and courtesy.
If your street issues parking permits, anyone with one will be able to park anywhere along the road.
Drivers may be tempted to save the spot outside their house using a wheelie bin or cones.
However, this can be classed as an obstruction in the road and you may end up being reported to the local council or the police.
The hoarder’s eviction was a step forward but residents feel the council must take more decisive action.
“This issue isn’t going away unless they step up,” said Amar Sidhu, a local shopkeeper.
“The hoarder hasn’t changed his ways and the neighborhood is suffering.”
For now, Thornton Heath residents remain united in their fight to reclaim their streets from the rusting remnants of the hoarder’s obsession.
The Sun has approached Croydon Council for comment.
