Latest news with #neighbour
The Sun
a day ago
- General
- The Sun
My neighbour won't move his rubbish mountain from our shared garden…it's a ‘fire hazard' & people tell me to sell it all
A FRUSTRATED homeowner has revealed that his neighbour has a huge mountain of rubbish that is taking over their shared garden. And not only is the mess taking up space, but the neighbour is also refusing to move it. 1 If that wasn't bad enough, as well as being an eyesore, many have also hailed the waste as a 'fire hazard.' Annoyed by the mess, which is taking up the majority of the man's patio, the frustrated social media user took to Reddit to express his irritation. Posting on the r/Peterborough thread, the anonymous man who is from Ontario, Canada, uploaded a snap of the unwanted stuff, leaving many totally gobsmacked. Not only is there a cupboard and multiple chairs, but there's also a fan and numerous boxes of belongings too. But that's not all, as there's also a sofa dumped on top of the pile, as well as books, rugs and what appears to be a mattress. And if you thought that was it, think again, as there's even pillows, hangers and Christmas decorations. You'll even spot cleaning products and food thrown in the mix too. Unsure on what to do with the pile of rubbish, the man who writes under the username @Formal_Distribution, begged: 'Help!' He then explained: '[My] neighbour won't move his trash from the shared yard for over a year. 'Contacted the City and they're not helpful.' Eager for guidance, he asked: 'Can we treat it as a dump and take care of it ourselves?' Reddit users were left gobsmacked by the huge pile of rubbish and many eagerly raced to the comments to share their advice. One person said: 'It looks like it's a fire hazard. Contact the fire dept.' Another added: 'Have a yard sale in your shared back yard this Saturday - 'Everything must go', 'All proceeds given to charity '.' Getting a neighbour to complain to the city and the fire department on the grounds of health hazard, eye sore and fire hazard can also help Reddit user A third commented: 'Also call your city councillor. We've had help from ours with a similar situation.' Whilst someone else wrote: 'Getting a neighbour to complain to the city and the fire department on the grounds of health hazard, eyesore and fire hazard can also help. 'In fact, it could even be more effective than your complaint because the city has a system for intervening in neighbour disputes.'
The Guardian
3 days ago
- Lifestyle
- The Guardian
14 ways to keep your houseplants alive while you're on holiday (and how to revive them when you get back)
Summer holidays are a joy for us, but not always such a thrill for our houseplants. Few things are worse than returning home to discover a horticultural graveyard. Plants can survive unsupervised during the winter, but heatwaves, a lack of ventilation, and no one around to water mean summer holidays are a recipe for disaster. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. But fear not. A bit of planning and the right kit can make all the difference between a happy homecoming and a shrivelled mess. Whether you go full-tech or just trust in a good soak and a friend, there's a holiday plant-care method for every budget and plant. Regardless of how long you're going away for, here are some of the best tips and tricks to keep your houseplants alive, hydrated and happy in your absence. Sometimes the simplest solution is the best: ask a neighbour, family member or friend to look after your plants while you're away. Leave easy instructions and group plants that require similar care. It's a lot to expect someone to visit several times a week, but even one mid-holiday visit can make a huge difference. Or, as I'm doing with my neighbour, swap plant-sitting duties with a fellow plant lover: you water theirs, they water yours. Move your plants away from windows where they might be scorched by direct sunlight. Place them together on a table in a room that gets indirect light. This helps create a more humid microenvironment, which helps reduce water loss through evaporation and can prevent the plants from drying out. Try placing shallow trays filled with water and pebbles nearby to provide extra humidity and buy you a few extra days of grace. For extra moisture, soak your plants' soil in the bath or sink first and let it drain before grouping them. H&M watering globe £9.99 at H&M These elegant glass orbs are plant decor and a hydration device. They're filled with water and inserted into the soil to provide a slow, steady water supply. This will help maintain moisture levels while you're away. They're ideal for smaller potted plants or trailing varieties such as pothos and philodendron. Ensure they're securely in place and filled before you go. Terracotta watering spikes £7.99 at Crocus£25.99 for 10 at Amazon A more lo-fi version of the globe above, and a great way to recycle a used bottle. These terracotta cones slowly release water from an upturned wine or plastic bottle as the soil dries out. A great option for bigger houseplants that don't like to dry out completely. Willow plant parent sensor £63.99 at Willow For something more tech-savvy, this plant sensor connects to a hub using wifi (most use Bluetooth). It tracks soil moisture, temperature and light, and syncs with an app to give real-time care advice based on the specific plant you're monitoring. It allows you to keep a virtual eye on your plants, and if the levels get too low, you can always bribe a friend to pop over. Westland water-saving gel £6.49 at the Range£12.99 at B&Q Soak these in water to let them expand, then mix into your compost before you go. They'll release the water slowly as the soil dries. Especially useful for thirsty tropicals or ferns that throw a fit the moment they dry out. The downside? You'll be adding polymers to your soil, so it may not be ideal if you're aiming for a fully organic setup. Capillary matting sheet £3 for five sheets at B&Q£10.99 for a 5 x 5 x 50cm sheet at Amazon Lay this felt-like fabric across your kitchen countertop or table and dip one end into a container of water (such as your kitchen sink). Place your plants in their nursery pots on top. The mat draws up water as needed, letting multiple pots drink at their own pace. It's cheap, easy and a life-saver for grouped watering. Sturme self-watering indoor plant pots £15 for three at Amazon Self-watering glass planter £9.09 at Crocus£10.39 at Waitrose Orchid and bonsai self-watering pot £49.95 at John Lewis Balcony self-watering planter £60 at FlannelsFrom £60 at Fraser Sign up to The Filter Get the best shopping advice from the Filter team straight to your inbox. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. after newsletter promotion A chic upgrade that does the hard work for you. These pots have a built-in reservoir and wick system, keeping roots hydrated without the risk of soggy soil. They look so good that I would be tempted to use them even when I'm not away. Plant straws £22 at London Terrariums If you want something stylish and reusable, plant straws are a modern take on the classic wick watering system. Handmade in Sweden, these use a cotton wick and aluminium straw to draw water from a nearby container into your plant's soil. Great for hard-to-reach plants, hanging pots or if you just want to avoid the DIY faff. They deliver consistent moisture for up to two weeks and look great doing it. Garden Gear Mighty Dripper £15.99 at Robert Dyas£15.99 at Amazon These reusable drip bags slowly release water over three to seven days and can be looped on to larger pots or hanging baskets. They are especially useful for thirsty outdoor pots or balcony jungle setups. No batteries, no fuss – just fill and go. Grow Gadgets moisture meter £29.99 at GroWell£29.99 at eBay Don't trust your watering instincts? I've got a gadget that could help. Stick this probe into the soil and it'll tell you exactly how wet or dry things are. Handy for pre-holiday checks or for leaving with a nervous plant-sitter. It's not glamorous, but loosely covering smaller plants with a clear plastic bag creates a mini greenhouse effect that locks in humidity. Just make sure the bag isn't touching the leaves and has a couple of small air holes. Never use this on succulents or cacti – they'll rot. Pianta grow light £57 at Grow Gang If you don't trust the unpredictability of natural light or your home doesn't get much of it, try a UV grow light. Relocate your plants to a cooler, shadier room and set a grow light on a timer for about eight to 10 hours a day. This one comes with a clip-on holder, making it easy to position above your plant shelf. Peace of mind that your plants are getting just enough light, without getting scorched to a crisp. Ready Steady Defend houseplant bug killer spray, 200ml £16.95 at Ready Steady Defend£18.91 at eBay Ready Steady Defend houseplant bug killer spray, 1l £14.55 at Amazon Warm weather = peak pest season. Before you leave, give your plants a light mist with a natural insecticide. When you get back, inspect for sticky leaves or fine webs – signs of mealybugs, aphids or spider mites. Neem oil or insecticidal soap will sort them quickly. Back from your trip? Check your plants for signs that they might have got too much sun. Look for scorched leaves, which may appear yellow or brown and feel dry or crispy. Snip off the damaged parts, move them to a shadier location, and mist them regularly to help them recover. Trim back any brown or mushy parts, check the roots (they should be white and firm), and give the soil a thorough soak. Then place it somewhere bright but not too sunny. Plants are tougher than they appear and can bounce back with some care and attention. Gynelle Leon is a houseplant expert, award-winning photographer, and a qualified therapist. She founded the cult plant shop Prick Ldn and now writes the Guardian's Houseplant Clinic column. A proud Virgo based in London, she's also an avid allotment owner and lover of self-development books
News.com.au
4 days ago
- News.com.au
‘You wanna die?': Manly neighbour from hell subjects family to campaign of terror
A Manly social housing tenant from hell is behind bars after subjecting his neighbour to a campaign of terror that allegedly included death threats while wielding a replica shotgun, screaming 'kill all the f**king Jews' from his balcony and blasting audio of Hitler speeches. Andrew Cambouris, 56, a well known local in the Northern Beaches suburb, had been living in the Bridge Housing accommodation on Pittwater Road for around 10 years when his behaviour began to spiral out of control at the start of May. 'Then he started playing music really loudly,' his neighbour, who did not want to be identified for fear of his safety, told 'The neighbourhood didn't take kindly [to that], somebody rang the police and he was spoken to regarding a noise complaint.' It was then that Cambouris set off a weeks-long ordeal that left the man and his family fearing for their lives. 'He assumed because I lived directly across the road from him that we had called the police on him,' he said. 'My wife and son and I are exiting the property a couple of days later, he started shouting threats, 'I'm gonna get you, I'm gonna stab youse.' My wife came home that evening by herself, he started screaming he's going to stab her and kill her. I was not particularly happy about it but I still didn't want to get the police involved because basically I've got a nutter living across the road and I don't want to aggravate him.' But things took a disturbing turn on May 16, as the man was outside his home with his son setting up CCTV cameras for safety. 'He went off screaming threats again,' he said. 'I decided to confront him, tell him, 'You've got the wrong people and if I had a problem with the music I would come and [talk to you].'' That's when Cambouris brandished what appeared to be a shotgun, in shocking mobile phone footage captured by the neighbour. 'Ah film me, f**k you, get f**ked,' he yells. 'You wanna die? I'll f**king kill you, f**kwit.' The man took the video to police and gave a formal statement. Cambouris was arrested and charged that day with weapons offences. Under NSW law, replication or imitation firearms are treated similarly to real firearms and are illegal to possess without a permit, with the offence carrying a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment. Cambouris was released on bail several days later under a number of conditions, including mandatory breathalyser checks at his home by police and a ban on crossing the road towards the neighbour or his family members. 'We thought, OK, he's back, he's going to quieten down, he knows he's in trouble,' the man said. But on May 25, Cambouris again began his unhinged ranting. In mobile phone footage, Cambouris can be heard screaming anti-Semitic abuse at the top of his lungs. 'Heil Hitler! Heil Hitler! Heil Hitler! Heil Hitler!' he screams from his balcony. 'Kill all the f**king Jews, ya f**king c***s! Get f**ked!' The neighbour, who is not Jewish, again alerted police that Cambouris appeared to be in breach of his bail conditions. 'The police go and knock but he refuses to come to the door, he's barricaded the door,' he said. 'They said, 'Look, there's not much we can do, he won't come to the door and we can't get access,' and then left. That spurred him on even more.' That night Cambouris 'just started blaring from his loudspeakers from his balcony the Nuremberg rally in German, 'Sieg Heil, Sieg Heil''. CCTV cameras captured extraordinary footage of Cambouris' unhinged behaviour over the following weeks. Various clips show music being blared in the middle of the night, Cambouris ranting and raving at the top of his lungs about Nazis and methamphetamine, and screaming profanities while declaring 'I'm the f**king Antichrist!'. 'Do you know the Nazis almost won World War II?' Cambouris is heard bellowing into the street in one clip, adding that Hitler fed his army 'pure methamphetamine and they marched for days and days'. 'Methamphetamine is the answer! But you must use it and not abuse it, or it will kill you. Paranoia will destroy ya!' According to the neighbour, the behaviour continued to escalate over the next few days. 'I once again contacted police because it was a safety issue,' he said. 'It's a busy bus stop.' Despite Cambouris being 'clearly intoxicated' and 'screaming' from his balcony police declined to intervene, according to the neighbour. The 'final straw' came on June 6, when Cambouris came across the street towards the man yelling 'I am the Antichrist!'. That's when the man enlisted the help of colourful criminal barrister Peter Lavac, hoping to get police to finally act. Mr Lavac attended Dee Why Police Station with the man on June 9 where he 'read the cops the riot act'. A NSW Police spokesman confirmed that the neighbour attended Dee Why Police Station on Monday June 9 to report 'another man allegedly threatened him on Pittwater Road, Manly, at about 1pm on Friday June 6'. 'Following inquiries, about 6.30pm on the same day, police arrested a 56-year-old man,' he said. 'He was charged with breach of bail, and he was issued court attendance notice to appear at Manly Local Court on Wednesday June 11'. The neighbour said in those two days 'I was scared for my wife coming home by myself, I would have to meet her'. 'My daughter was too terrified to come over,' he said. 'I had a cricket bat inside the door, we left [the house] as a family unit, we were genuinely in fear of our lives.' Cambouris pleaded guilty to the weapons charge on June 11 and was remanded in custody. He appeared in Manly Local Court again on July 9 where he pleaded guilty to a raft of additional offences including intimidating and assaulting police and suspected stolen goods in custody, court records show. He will be sentenced on August 20. Mr Lavac criticised what he perceived to be the inaction of the police. He believed the police should have done more when the man refused entry into his house. 'They let this guy remain on liberty … and for police to shrug it off is a disgrace.' The neighbour said he was fearful of what would happen after Cambouris' sentencing. 'The thing is he's going to get out again and Bridge Housing, they can only submit to NCAT [NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal] a request for him to be evicted,' he said. 'With these no-eviction laws it's going to be very difficult.' Court listings show Bridge Housing, a community housing provider and charity on Sydney's Northern Beaches, is taking action against Cambouris in NCAT. That case is listed for July 30. 'Bridge Housing is unable to provide specific details regarding individual tenancies,' a spokeswoman said in a statement. 'However, we can confirm that proceedings including NCAT action, are currently underway in response to ongoing breaches. We are committed to acting within our responsibilities under the Residential Tenancy Agreement to support both our tenants and the surrounding community and take reports of threatening or violent behaviour extremely seriously.'
The Sun
4 days ago
- The Sun
My mum is having a dirty affair with our neighbour… and I've seen the videos of them having sex – do I tell Dad?
1 DEAR DEIDRE: MY mum has been having an affair with our neighbour and I can't unsee the evidence. I've seen naked selfies - of both of them - but the worst has to be the video I stumbled across of them having sex. I'm so upset with her. She's lied repeatedly to my face and put me in the worst position possible. My dad absolutely adores her. This will shatter him. I'm an only child and 23, Mum is 52 and Dad is 55. This neighbour has always seemed pretty sleazy to me. He's always creeping around women, giving them sickly compliments. I've always avoided him like the plague. One year ago, when I saw mum had sent him a topless pic, I was really upset. Confronting her was so awkward but she explained it away saying it had meant to be for Dad but she'd sent it to the wrong number in haste. She told me the neighbour had been very 'understanding' and had deleted the image in front of her 'which had put her mind at ease'. But just a few days ago I borrowed her iPad to watch films on a long train ride. I couldn't believe it when I settled down to watch my downloaded films and spotted a folder marked with this neighbour's name. I mean how brazen is that - using his name. Heart pumping I opened up to see more nude selfies than I could count and the worst a home filmed video of them having sex. Dear Deidre: Spotting the signs your partner is cheating She'd lied to me! Clearly they'd been having a full blown affair and even after I stumbled across that first picture, Mum had continued. This feels like such a huge betrayal - not just for Dad, but for me also. I mean what woman continues with such reckless behaviour even after their child has uncovered their cheating? Mum was my idol. I wanted to be like her when I grew up - stylish, creative and kind. Now I feel so lost. I realise I need to let her - or Dad - know, but I'm dreading it. Nothing will be the same once those words leave my lips. What should I do? DEIDRE SAYS: Everything changed the moment you saw that folder and understood your mum had been lying to you for over a year already. It's entirely natural to feel abandoned when learning that a parent has had an affair. But in your case the sense of betrayal will be even more keen. Not only did your mum lie to you when you discovered the first naked selfie, but she continued her reckless behaviour, putting her own needs before yours. Lending you her iPad - the very device where these incriminating pics and videos were stored seems belligerent even. Did she perhaps want to be discovered? You're right and I'm afraid and you do need to speak to your mum again. Let her know how hurt you feel, that she has seriously damaged your relationship and tell her she needs to work on her marriage. If she doesn't come clean with your dad, you will have no choice but to tell him what she has done. Your mum's behaviour is worrying and you'll need support to work through the deep sense of being let down by the main person who ought to be looking out for you. Please do think about seeing a counsellor either on your own, or even a family therapist, with your mum. My support pack How Counselling Can Help explains where to find reputable practitioners. Dear Deidre's Sexting Stories From flirty DMs to full-blown emotional affairs, sexting has become a recurring theme in Deidre's mailbag. One woman confessed to sexting a younger male colleague behind her husband's back. Another reader was left reeling after discovering her husband's explicit messages to a woman at work. And different subscriber feared her relationship was doomed after catching her partner having flirty online exchanges with a gay pal. Sexting can be a thrilling way to flirt, build tension, and keep things spicy from a distance. But if you're not careful, what starts as a playful way to connect with a partner can quickly become uncomfortable or risky. Here's how to enjoy it without regrets: THE DOs Do check consent Start by feeling out whether they're into it. A simple 'you in the mood for something cheeky?' can set the tone without pressure. Do build slowly Treat it like foreplay — tease, flirt, escalate. Jumping straight into graphic details can feel jarring. Do match their energy If they're sending poetic lines or emojis, don't drop a crude pic out of nowhere. Mirror the vibe. Do keep it playful Humour and imagination go a long way. Sexy doesn't have to mean serious. Do protect your privacy Use apps with disappearing messages or consider cropping out identifying features if you're sending photos. THE DON'Ts Don't assume it's wanted Unsolicited nudes are never sexy. Ask first — always. Don't over-rely on visuals Words can be just as arousing. Use descriptions, fantasies, or voice notes to keep things engaging. Don't sext under pressure If you're not feeling it, say so. A good partner will respect your boundaries. Don't ignore tone shifts If replies become slow, dry, or disengaged, back off. Consent is ongoing. Don't forget the risk Even in trusted relationships, things can change. Screenshots can sometimes last longer than the spark. Ask me and my counsellors anything Every problem get a personal and private reply from one of my trained counsellors within one working day. Sally Land is the Dear Deidre Agony Aunt. She achieved a distinction in the Certificate in Humanistic Integrative Counselling, has specialised in relationships and parenting. She has over 20 years of writing and editing women's issues and general features. Passionate about helping people find a way through their challenges, Sally is also a trustee for the charity Family Lives. Her team helps up to 90 people every week. Sally took over as The Sun's Agony Aunt when Deidre Sanders retired from the The Dear Deidre column four years ago. The Dear Deidre Team Of Therapists Also Includes: Kate Taylor: a sex and dating writer who is also training to be a counsellor. Kate is an advisor for dating website OurTime and is the author of five self-help books. Jane Allton: a stalwart of the Dear Deidre for over 20 years. Jane is a trained therapist, who specialises in family issues. She has completed the Basic Counselling Skills Level 1, 2, and 3. She also achieved the Counselling and Psychotherapy (CPCAB) Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Studies. Catherine Thomas: with over two decades worth of experience Catherine has also trained as a therapist, with the same credentials as Jane. She specialises in consumer and relationship issues. Fill out and submit our easy-to-use and confidential form and the Dear Deidre team will get back to you. You can also send a private message on the DearDeidreOfficial Facebook page or email us at: deardeidre@
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
‘Glaring' NBN issue exposed as Aussie left without internet: ‘Frustrating'
When I switched internet providers six months ago to take advantage of a better offer, I expected the process to be relatively straightforward. After activating the new connection, I hooked up my modem — only to find it was still connected to my old service. While calling my new provider to ask a few questions, my neighbour knocked on my door to tell me their internet had been disconnected. My neighbour and I share nearly identical addresses — think 25A and 25B Main Street. Both homes were built at the same time, and it turns out the NBN had somehow wired the houses backwards on the network. RELATED Telstra customers threaten to boycott after third price hike since August Top 10 superannuation funds revealed as Aussies receive 'double-digit' returns Compensation sought for millions of Qantas customers hit in major cyber data breach This was confirmed when my neighbour called to restore their service, and mine was cut off. As we had clearly identified the issue, you might imagine this would be a simple problem to fix. You would be wrong. At this stage, with both my neighbour and I disconnected from the NBN, we contacted our ISPs. My ISP, Superloop, said they could register the issue with the NBN and swap the addresses, but it was best to keep both connections offline while the request was processed. My neighbour called their ISP, who said they could not lodge an issue with the NBN unless he already had an active connection. After consulting, we decided to wait for Superloop to resolve the issue for both of us. Days passed. Despite repeated assurances from Superloop that they would return my calls and fix the problem, communication was one-way only. After more than a week without internet and several calls, my neighbour proposed a solution: why don't we get connected to the opposite addresses — the ones not matching our house numbers but actually connected to our homes — and then ask our ISPs to correct the addresses later? I called Superloop again to ask if we could do this and was told, 'No problem'. So, I cancelled my pending order and created a new one for my neighbour's address. This all worked quite well. I was connected to the NBN within about three hours, and it worked perfectly. Weeks later, hoping for closure, I contacted Superloop again to have my address corrected officially. Frustratingly, I was told I would have to close my account and start fresh by calling the sales team myself. Exasperated, I refused. A sympathetic representative promised a callback and personal oversight. Two months later, I had still not received that callback. At this point, I reached out to Superloop with some questions and began writing this article. That initiated a series of events which finally solved the issue, and encouraged the ISP to change their customer service process. Frustrating problem finally leads to a solution When I asked Superloop why they couldn't directly update incorrect addresses in the NBN registry without forcing customers to close and reopen accounts, they explained that the NBN Co, as the wholesaler, owns and manages the registry. This centralised system ensures all providers work from a single source of truth, but only NBN Co has the authority to make amendments. Address corrections require active services to be disconnected first, which complicates the process for customers caught in errors like mine. I also questioned why Superloop initially said it was fine to connect to the 'wrong' address and fix it later, only to change their stance when I went ahead. They acknowledged this was poor communication and said they've since introduced a governance forum with NBN's Connections Team to escalate and resolve such issues more swiftly. When asked why resolving a simple error involved calling multiple departments who refused to speak to each other, Superloop's Head of Process & Customer Experience, Grant Caldwell, replied: It shouldn't, is the simple answer. Since your experience, we've formed a 'Proactive Solutions Team'. Their objective is to identify customers in distress — that's a customer who calls multiple times with an issue. This team then takes on and owns that relationship until the issue is resolved, proactively calling and keeping the customer across the steps we're taking to avoid the frustration you experienced. This team was soon put to the test when I was referred to them. Resolution Expert Amila called me the same day and explained that he would guide me through the process of fixing the address. This involved sending photos of my NBN box (for the third time), closing my existing account and opening a new one (for the second time). But rather than having to call repeatedly, Amila promised to manage the entire process and call me back at each stage — and I'm happy to report he did. Within 10 days, my home was successfully switched over to the correct address, and the broadband service has remained solid and speedy since. For their swift action here, Superloop — and Amila in particular — are to be commended. But one 'glaring' issue remains As someone who regularly reports on customer service issues in the media, it's refreshing to see such proactive and effective support rather than the usual apologetic dismissal. Superloop emphasised their ongoing commitment to continuous improvement through regular internal forums and new tools designed to prevent these frustrations, reinforcing their focus on a 'customer first' culture and better service delivery moving forward. However, one glaring issue remains: if a customer has a problem with their NBN connection wiring, they cannot deal with NBN Co directly. Instead, they must sign up with an ISP using the wrong address, only to later close that account and open a new one to fix the problem. The solution is simple — allow customers direct communication with NBN Co for complex technical and administrative matters. Until then, many more frustrating calls lie ahead for consumers with issues and less obliging ISPs.
