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West Bergholt: Neighbours row boils over
A LONG-running dispute over noise from a transport depot in a quiet village erupted when a pensioner pulled out a shotgun.
Former international rally driver Reg Mullenger says his life has been blighted by the noise and dust caused by lorries using the depot opposite his bungalow in Nayland Road, West Bergholt.
However, Mike Culham, who owns the transport yard with his brother, Patrick, points out the yard has been in operation for more than 60 years - decades before the Mullengers moved in.
Discussions between the Culhams and the Mullengers have now reached a stalemate.
At one point, the police were called when Mr Mullenger pulled out two 12-bore shotguns.
Mr Mullenger, who is 72, said he reached the end of his tether when someone was riding a mini-motorbike around the yard.
He said: "I shouted across the yard to stop it. In the end I picked up two 12-bores but they were not loaded and were undone. I only stood on my property." Police were called to the scene and consficated the guns.
Mr Mullenger, 72, and his wife, Susan, 55, moved into the two-bedroom bungalow seven years ago.
He said: "We had lived on an estate in Coggeshall and we thought it was a nice area which seemed peaceful.
"But the problems started about three years ago and now it is horrendous."
Mr Mullenger said the number of businesses at the depot had increased and claimed lorries were in and out all day long.
He said: "The first lorry starts up before 3am . No-one should have to live with that all the time."
Mr Mullenger said they tried to sell up but no-one would buy the bungalow because of the noise and dust from the depot.
He said: "In the summer, you can't even open a window because of the dust. It is horrendous."
But Mike Culham, who also organises the popular West Bergholt Historic Vehicle Rally, said the transport yard had been in operation since 1946 - 55 years before the Mullengers moved in.
He said: "Lorries have been going in and out since 1946 in my grandfather's time."
Brothers Mike and Patrick took over in 1965 and although they do not work there now, they still own the site.
He denied vehicle movements had increased. He said: "We had eight lorries when we worked there and there are seven lorries there now."
He added: "The site has full planning permission from Lexden and Winstree Rural District Council and that has been recognised by Colchester Borough Council. There are no restrictions on it at all. We have had the person from Colchester Council here and everything is fine."
He said the situation was no different to when his mother had lived in the same bungalow until 1997.
Mr Culham added workers at the yard had tried to be good neighbours including damping down the dust in the summer.
He added: "Why do you buy a bungalow next to an established transport yard? We have had no complaints from our other neighbours.
"If I thought we were doing anything wrong I would hold my hands up but we aren't."
9:15am Friday 9th May 2008
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CommentPosted by: Annie on 11:51am Fri 9 May 08
Oh, that's alright then!
You can officially be a bully and load on more and more noise ad infinitum to a previously fairly liveable area, and hide behind "permission" as you push neighbours beyond endurance?
Greed, and bl**dy mindedness will get you to this place in no time at all, and of course pride will stop any kind of backing-off.
Try thinking of others, however long you have lived in one spot.
What might happen if and when you get older and someone starts bullying you in some way? Bet you'll yell loudest of all!!
Oh, that's alright then!
You can officially be a bully and load on more and more noise ad infinitum to a previously fairly liveable area, and hide behind "permission" as you push neighbours beyond endurance?
Greed, and bl**dy mindedness will get you to this place in no time at all, and of course pride will stop any kind of backing-off.
Try thinking of others, however long you have lived in one spot.
What might happen if and when you get older and someone starts bullying you in some way? Bet you'll yell loudest of all!!
Posted by: Helen on 3:38pm Fri 9 May 08
Golly, this is reminiscent of the 1950s and Bill Leyland. publican of W Bergholt.
Anyone else remember that drama?
Golly, this is reminiscent of the 1950s and Bill Leyland. publican of W Bergholt.
Anyone else remember that drama?
Posted by: G Milne, Colchester on 4:26pm Fri 9 May 08
Yes we do remember, and that was caused out of sheer frustration,It should be noted that the Mullenger family were living in West Bergholt a lot longer than 60 years ago
no one should have live in such conditions, dirt and dust everywhere I am sure that Mr Culham would complain just as strongly if the boot was on the other foot.
Yes we do remember, and that was caused out of sheer frustration,It should be noted that the Mullenger family were living in West Bergholt a lot longer than 60 years ago
no one should have live in such conditions, dirt and dust everywhere I am sure that Mr Culham would complain just as strongly if the boot was on the other foot.
Posted by: Rupert, Totham on 6:40pm Fri 9 May 08
Reg Mullenger has my sincere sympathies. All too often the bully minority blight decent people's lives with their endless intrusive noise. It is high time that every local council had an EFFECTIVE agency to deal with these issues. I know from my own experience that Reg, like me, is very likely a perfectly normal fellow driven to the brink by others thoughtless selfishness.
Reg Mullenger has my sincere sympathies. All too often the bully minority blight decent people's lives with their endless intrusive noise. It is high time that every local council had an EFFECTIVE agency to deal with these issues. I know from my own experience that Reg, like me, is very likely a perfectly normal fellow driven to the brink by others thoughtless selfishness.
Posted by: Juno on 9:48am Sat 10 May 08
Just a thought, why on earth is there so much dusty surface in a yard which is so busy?
Come on, start off some goodwill by lashing out for a tarmac surface!
Doesn't need to be everywhere, at least to start with, just the bits that are most used.
Surely this would also benefit the business during the wetter weather? Also, at all times of the year the vehicles would be a lot cleaner?
Otherwise, it's going to sound like a gross bit of tight-fisted, sewn up pockets syndrome on the part of the transport co.
Just a thought, why on earth is there so much dusty surface in a yard which is so busy?
Come on, start off some goodwill by lashing out for a tarmac surface!
Doesn't need to be everywhere, at least to start with, just the bits that are most used.
Surely this would also benefit the business during the wetter weather? Also, at all times of the year the vehicles would be a lot cleaner?
Otherwise, it's going to sound like a gross bit of tight-fisted, sewn up pockets syndrome on the part of the transport co.
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