Garden gnome row rocks Swansea old folks’ home

AN old people’s home in Wales has become the centre of a battle over garden gnomes, with reports of vandalism and intimidation.

All the garden ornaments have since been removed. Stock picture: Phil Wilkinson

Residents at Waverley Close in Clydach, near Swansea, had begun putting garden gnomes and other ornaments in the complex’s communal garden.

But one resident, Ron Little, told Wales Online that he has been ‘targeted by a mafia gang’ over his ornaments.

Mr Little, 80, said: “It’s a community garden and everybody is supposed to share. But it’s like a mafia here - if you cross them you are in trouble.”

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He added that the rows had triggered his angina and he required treatment from paramedics after a recent altercation.

Council housing chiefs confirmed they had received reports of threats, intimidation, theft accusations, financial irregularities and damage to the communal garden.

As a result, they have ordered all garden ornaments to be removed from the area in a bid to curb the rows, while a letter has been sent to all residents.

A spokesman for South Wales Police confirmed that the force had spoken to the elderly residents, pleading with them to behave.

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