A DISABLED man says he is in “tears every day” after finally being able to leave his house after being sick for three years... only to find overgrown trees blocking his way. 

Bob Pepper says he has been unable to leave his house on Sunnedon Road, Basildon, since the start of the year because of overgrown trees and vegetation blocking his path.

The 70-year-old suffered from a three-year-long illness from 2020 to 2023 which kept him homebound.

After finally recovering from the illness, Bob finds it hard to walk and needs a mobility scooter to get around.

The overgrowth has prevented Bob from being able to go out using the pathway.The overgrowth has prevented Bob from being able to go out using the pathway. (Image: Bob Pepper)

 

However, he says he has been “trapped” in his home as his scooter is unable to go further than a few feet from his housing estate in Sunnedon, off Clay Hill Road, because of uncut vegetation blocking the pathways.

Bob, who battled with an undiagnosed fractured spine for 40 years, has been fighting with Sanctuary Housing for the several months, hoping to get it cut back. 

He said: “I get emotional just talking about this.

“I keep bursting into tears and I’ve not been sleeping at all.

“I have not been very good mentally and I feel like a prisoner in my own home.

“I just want to get back into my community. Even the pedestrians can barely walk on the footpath.

“I keep looking at my scooter out the window and wonder why the hell I can’t go out for some fresh air and meet my family or friends.”

 

Bob claims the housing company has only trimmed the area once since he moved in 2017.Bob claims the housing company has only trimmed the area once since he moved in 2017. (Image: Bob Pepper)

 

Bob claims he has already spoken to both Basildon Council and Essex County Council about the issue, but they have both confirmed it is Sanctuary Housing’s responsibility to maintain the area.

Bob said: “I have no energy left to fight anymore.

“Since I moved here in 2017, I have seen them trim the area only once.

“I feel horrible and disgusted that they trapped me here and don’t want to own up.”

A spokesman for Sanctuary said: “Mr Pepper first contacted us about this issue last week and we are looking into the problem to address his concerns.

“We are committed to supporting Mr Pepper and will ensure any work required is carried out as soon as possible.”