A COUPLE claim they are fighting to get a fair share of their garden, which has been separated by a huge fence erected by their neighbour.

Averil and Anthony Atkins have been left with a 52-ins-wide strip of land due to their neighbour upstairs putting up a fence taking the lion’s share of the garden at their converted house, in Heygate Avenue, Southend.

The couple claim the garden is not even big enough for a washing line or to sit out in and they have no room for their two dogs to run around in.

Mrs Atkins, 69, said: “We moved from our previous council place as it was too big and we couldn’t afford the bedroom tax.

“We were given this groundfloor flat in December and have been fighting ever since to get a fair share of our garden back.

“The fence is high and was already up when we moved in.

"It’s left us with a 52ins strip of land in a 47ft long garden. It’s enough for a few slabs and a tiny border for plants.

“We have two dogs and it’s not big enough. I have to dry my washing indoors or in the dryer even in this heat

“We pay rent for it, like he does, but it’s not fair and Southend Council and South Essex Homes don’t seem able to help us.”

A spokesman for South Essex Homes, which manages the council’s housing stock on behalf of the council, said: “South Essex Homes has been working with both residents to resolve this issue and will continue to do so.”

The Echo was unable to contact the neighbour.