Morrisons agrees to tidy up ‘heartbreaking’ mess

The company purchased 160 Eastgate for potential expansion of their store in December 2017, following the death of the owner, the well-known conservationist, historian and author David Robinson OBE, in July 2017.

Alongside his wife Joyce - a keen botanist who passed away in 2014 - David had lived in the house for half a century.

Neighbours have now accused Morrisons of ‘neglect’ after the front and rear gardens of David and Joyce’s former home were left to grow into an unsightly mess.

Angela Lord, who lives in the same block, said: “As neighbours, we are nothing short of devastated by the neglect and apparent disregard for us as a block of houses.”

“The property has been owned by the Morrisons Group for the last three years, and it has fallen into a state of decay and disrepair.

“I can’t imagine what David and Joyce would have said about all of this. Joyce was always in her garden, and I could almost weep for her.”

Angela, speaking on behalf of several neighbours, added: “We have fought very hard to try and preserve the house.

“It is absolutely devastating for Louth and, as a block of neighbouring houses, it’s heartbreaking to see the house unloved and empty.

A Morrisons spokeswoman told the Leader: “We have instructed our specialist contractors to attend the property and clear the yard.”

No timeline had been provided for the work to be carried out at the time of going to press.