A historic riddle has led to a dad being left with an eyesore in his garden for the last five months.

A wall in Graeme Carter's garden in Stafford Close, Cheam, blew down during high winds on Christmas Eve. He said it makes his garden look a mess and is dangerous for his children to play around.

Although Mr Carter owns his property, the wall joins on to flats at Farnham Court, which is owned by Sutton Housing Partnership (SHP).

A previous repair to the wall was carried out by Sutton Council in 2001 before its housing stock was transferred to SHP but now SHP and the council have said the wall does not belong to them.

A solution to who owns the wall could be in sight after a plaque on the wall was discovered that revealed it is part of the 17th century White House building and was built in 1884.

Mr Carter said: "It's an eyesore - and it left my garden completely open to the A217.

"I would have no problem fixing it if it was mine. I've already spoken to my insurance company and they say they will fix it.

"But, as far as I understand it, it's not my wall.

"Whoever owns it, the end result is that I've been left with this in my garden for the last four months."

Cheam Councillor Mary Burstow criticised SHP for its handling of the issue and carried out some research of her own.

She said: "After four months, they have finally admitted that there are no deeds that make it clear who owns the wall. Yet, after only a small amount of historical research, the reason becomes clear.

"The wall is part of the The White House. On the wall is a plaque that reads 'This wall, built up the ground and at the sole expense of RCA RCC 1884'.

"The Legal Department may not have the deeds, but I would suggest this plaque is as good as a plaque."

SHP, the council and Mr Carter are continuing to try to reach a solution.


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