Inconsiderate neighbours have become Veronica's biggest headache as she cannot stand to stay in the dirty block any longer but is also unable to move out because of the same reason.

Although she is sick of the dangerous mess caused by her inconsiderate neighbours, she is also unable to sell her flat as the valued price of it has been depreciated by the mess caused by her neighbours.

The corridors are overcrowded with her neighbours’ personal items and this is a fire hazard breach, she says.

Even so, the town council has done little to help the situation.

A frustrated Veronica says:

“I live on the fifth floor of a block in Bedok North in a three-room corner flat.

“Everyday for the last few years, I have had to put up with neighbours who seem to think that the corridor in front of their flat is their private property.

“They have so much clutter there that it has become a fire hazard, a terrible eyesore and I am sure it is contrary to some rules and regulations about common corridor spaces in HDB blocks.

“The following is a list of what you can find there, and illustrates what state the place is in:

1. There are 6 bamboo poles with stands which are permanently there
2. As many as 5 bicycles parked outside the flat and obstructing the staircase
3. Broken bicycles and bicycle parts
4. Stacks of boxes containing junk
5. A shopping trolley (once or twice a year at least)
6. A pile of junk, toys, fishing rods, baskets... you name it... it's there.
7. Cigarette butts and very often beer bottles and cans
8. Oil marks on the wall from hands that are dirty with grease
9. Graffiti by the kids in the family
10. Mattresses and clothes hung over parapet held down either by a skateboard or stools draped over the parapet. In this last example, the danger is that the skateboard or stools may accidentally fall or be knocked over and hurt someone walking down below.

“I have complained several times to the Town Council. They have issued warning letters and the mess got cleared up or to be more specific, was 'rearranged' a little.

“A few weeks later, however, the mess is back ‘with a vengeance.’

“More than once, my husband and I have hit our shins or toes on metal or wooden objects sticking out dangerously.

“We can't even push our own bikes (which we keep inside our flat) through the corridor without bumping into something or being jabbed by bamboo poles.

“I have noticed that this same family will sit in the void deck and make a mess with their food wrappers and drink cans there too. Of course, the mentality is 'someone will clean it up tomorrow morning' so they persist in making a mess.

“After a long and hard deliberation, I decided to sell my flat (after living there for 11 years) and asked my house agent to assess its value. His conclusion is that selling my flat may be a problem as the asking price may be lower because potential buyers will see the messy neighbours and corridors and not want to live there.

“Can you see my dilemma here? I can't stay nor can I move, and am stuck with this situation.

“I am so frustrated with the Town Council for being so slack at their job when they should be checking on these repeat offenders or impose more severe warnings. I hope once and for all, they will look into it with a concerted effort and ensure that the situation is salvaged (at least until I find a buyer for my flat and move house).

“If not, pray and tell me what is my next option?”