A DERELICT caravan “left to fall apart” for more than a decade has become a blight on the lives of residents.

Despite attempts by neighbours in Fir Tree Close, Pinehurst, and authorities to have it removed, the owner has steadfastly refused to get rid of it.

Now covered in mildew, the caravan takes up half the road in the quiet cul-de-sac, making it difficult for some residents to get their cars out as well as being an eyesore for others.

But because technically no law is being broken, it is hard for anything to be done about it.

One resident, who did not want to be named, said: “We have lived here for ten years and it has been there all this time.

"It has occasionally moved to the end of the cul-de-sac but never anywhere else. It is an eyesore every time you look out of your window. A while back the owner cleaned the roof but that was about it.

“I don’t think you could use it anymore for leisure purposes. One of the other residents walked past it once when the door was open and says it is so full of rubbish you can’t get in.”

Another said: “This is actually a really nice street apart from that caravan. If it was clean it wouldn’t be so bad but it has just been left there to fall apart.”

Several attempts have been made to get it removed but with little success.

Residents banded together four years ago and contacted the police but all they could do was order the owner to put lights on the caravan at night.

Local councillors have also been contacted by frustrated residents desperate to see it moved.

Coun Jim Grant (Lab, Rodbourne Cheney) said: “I will look into it because I thought the problem had been solved. Residents had spoken to me and it had moved but it has obviously been put back.”

Council officers have said they are investigating but are uncertain at this stage if any law has been broken.

A spokesman said: “We are aware of the complaints from residents and our legal team is investigating to see if there is anything we can do. It’s not immediately obvious what that might be.

“The caravan isn’t parked illegally so our parking enforcement officers can’t do anything, and we understand that the police have no objections to it remaining there.

"Our abandoned vehicles officer can’t do anything because a caravan isn’t classed as a vehicle, and it isn’t abandoned because it’s outside the owner’s house.

“It’s an unusual situation that would be best resolved between the neighbours if they can.”

The caravan owner was not available for comment.