Newmore Gardens, an over-55s residential complex in Walsall, has become the epicentre of a bitter dispute between neighbours that has persisted for over two years. The situation dramatically escalated in recent months, with reports indicating that two residents were assaulted since May 2023.
Margaret Morgan, 82, a resident of the complex, revealed to BirminghamLive that the West Midlands Police have been called multiple times as tensions have worsened. She detailed a disturbing incident from December 2023, when loud arguing and shouting outside her flat drew her attention. Upon stepping outside to intervene, Mrs Morgan alleges she was pushed to the ground.
According to her account, another neighbour came to her defense and contacted the police and ambulance services. However, she claims she was then subjected to further violence, being “kicked and smashed in the face,” resulting in facial bruising and hospital treatment.
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Contrasting this account, a letter from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) viewed by BirminghamLive indicates that a man involved accused Mrs Morgan of shoving his partner during the altercation. The man stated that he acted in self-defense, and that both he and Mrs Morgan fell to the floor after she grabbed him. The CPS noted that CCTV evidence did not contradict this version and possibly supported it. Based on the evidence at the time, the CPS decided to discontinue the case pending further investigation.
Following these events, Mrs Morgan reports being compelled to sign an “acceptable behaviour contract” with the housing provider, Green Square Accord (GSA). Despite this, the dispute has lingered, continuing to affect her daily life.
West Midlands Police confirmed ongoing investigations into allegations of anti-social behaviour, assault, and harassment at Newmore Gardens but did not specify any parties involved. A police spokesperson encouraged anyone with information to come forward.
Mrs Morgan expressed deep frustration: “From then on, my life has been hell. This has got to stop. They want me to move, but I’m not going to move. I’m 82, I can’t just up and move like that. I’ve done nothing wrong. I’ve tried to go about it the right way. The police have let me down.”
In response to the incident, GSA emphasized their commitment to managing anti-social behaviour sensitively and effectively, urging residents to use their complaint process or contact the Housing Ombudsman Service if dissatisfied.
The neighbour involved has been approached for comment.