Mitcham Council to take action against Melrose Park hoarder over huge amounts of rubbish
Mitcham Council is taking action against a man whose property is littered with junk. But the move is little comfort to his neighbour, who says he will “believe it when I see it cleaned up”.
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Mitcham Council will again take action against a Melrose Park resident whose property is littered with junk.
A council spokeswoman said it would apply to the Environment, Resources and Development court for an order to force Colin Roediger to clean up his Mead Crescent home.
The action comes after Mr Roediger complied with a previous court order to clear accumulated rubbish from the property.
“The council has investigated this complaint and is now proceeding with legal action,” the spokeswoman said.
“Council also continues to monitor parking, and the verge.”
Simon Carr, who lives nearby, has made repeated complaints to the council about the state of the property, which he says is covered in old gates, timber, steel, aluminium and other trash.
However, despite the council taking further action, he told The Messenger he would “believe it when I see it cleaned up”.
“If the council is taking enforcement, how long will it take to get it cleaned up? He’s not doing anything to fix the issue,” Mr Carr said.
The problem had worsened in the past six months, with several cars laden with garbage now parked in the front yard.
“It’s been an ongoing issue,” Mr Carr said.
“There is a park (Alexander Ross Reserve) between us. I’ve noticed a lot of people don’t go to the park any more, which is a shame, maybe because of the junk at the front of his yard.
“I have complained at least five or six times. A lot of people in the street have complained as well.
“He makes excuses – says he needs the stuff.”
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Mr Carr said the inside of the property was also overrun with junk and he was concerned about the impact this was having on Mr Roediger’s health.
He said Mr Roediger went around at night and collected hard rubbish from local front yards.
Mr Roediger told The Messenger he had planned to have a garage sale to clear his land but had to cancel it because of the coronavirus pandemic.
He said much of the clutter belonged to his son, who had recently moved back in, and he was in the process of sorting through it.