A DEESIDE woman has been ordered to tear down a fence she built for her own privacy and sanctuary.

One resident of Pen y Llan flats in Connah’s Quay shares a communal garden with other residents. However, for her own mental health and safety, she put up a 5ft fence for her sanctuary and her own ‘personal space’ but has now been ordered to take it down by Flintshire Council.

The resident, who did not wish to be named, suffers with PTSD and struggles with her mental health daily.

She said: “I used to live on a top floor flat with my own balcony which was lovely. I get very conscious being around loads of people with my mental health but because of my health I had to move to a ground floor flat.

“Last summer was a nightmare, I could barely get out I felt like I had no privacy. I didn’t want to go through another summer like that, so I paid for a little fence to be put up and residents didn’t have a problem with it.

“Just a small section of the communal garden. One part of the garden was even being used as a public toilet.

“My fence is very low but provided me with a bit of sanctuary, it was nice. My own private space. If there was too many in the communal garden, I could still get some fresh air.

“The council doesn’t understand why I need it, but they said no, if they let me everyone else will want one but no-one does. This is for my own mental health.

“Why is it an issue now. It was put up in February, it’s not in anyone’s way, it’s not blocking anyone.”

The resident said she needs the fence, adding: “I was enjoying the space. I do like my own space. It sounds like nothing to some people, it’s a bit of a fence but mentally it’s there, it’s helped me come out of the flat.”

Resident Stacey Clowes said she’s worked hard to make the garden a safe and communal space for residents.

She said the fence was not causing issues to anyone and looked 'nice' but was causing so much stress due to the threats of being taken down.

Flintshire’s Chief Officer for Housing and Assets, Neal Cockerton, said: “The Council is unable to comment on individual cases.

“Under the terms of their tenancy agreement any proposed improvements by tenants to their home require the permission of the Council. Where this permission is sought the Council will work with the tenant to provide advice and guidance to ensure compliance with both Council policy and Building and Planning regulations.

"Following which, where appropriate, permission will be granted prior to the start of any works. It is Council policy that communal garden areas are maintained as open plan spaces, allowing for free and unrestricted access by tenants and maintenance operatives.

“The Council takes all reports of anti-social behaviour very seriously and will take prompt and necessary action to resolve issues to a satisfactory conclusion.”