Shaming tactic leads to council tenants improving overgrown gardens

The scheme was the first of three “100 worst gardens” exercises are planned to be carried out in Barnsley for this year.

Officers from the housing management firm, Berneslai homes, said that, in the first four weeks, 75 of the gardens that were identified in the project have seen a “resolution or improvement”.

Meanwhile, of the outstanding 25 gardens, one was “identified for ongoing support”, 19 required “enforcement interventions” and five were sold properties which “are being progressed accordingly”.

The director of housing management at Berneslai Homes, Mark McGee, said: “We continue to be extremely impressed with the results of these exercises, which highlight the important work that our housing management teams carry out on a regular basis. 

“It is essential that people respect their neighbourhoods and it only takes a few overgrown gardens, a bit of graffiti and litter to slowly lead down the path of crime and anti-social behaviour.” 

Barnsley’s next 100 worst gardens will be picked out by Berneslai Homes in the week beginning on Monday, July 2.