Grandad Mick Hungerford thought he was doing his bit for the community when he gave up his spare time to tidy an unsightly, overgrown pathway alongside his house.

But to his amazement, his goodwill gesture has backfired after a neighbour complained and land owner mhs homes ordered him to remove the paved walkway which cost him about £300.

The long-distance driver decided to clear up the "eyesore" as part of a massive refurbishment of his end-of-terrace home in Swift Crescent, Walderslade.

The night shift worker said: "The weeds had grown waist high and there was a tree that had grown in the corner.

"It had become a dumping ground with dog excrement and old road signs there.

"We could not have the windows open because of the smell and we could not get to our windows outside to clean them."

House proud Mick has spent £65,000 over the last few years refurbishing the home he shares with partner Nicola Young, a 53-year-old housewife.

Between them the couple have seven children and four grandchildren and they wanted to invest in the property for something to leave to their family.

Mick has also spent a lot on his garden, which includes an ornamental fish pond he says is the envy of people living nearby.

The DHL worker, who has lived there for 12 years, said: "I thought I was doing the right thing.

"This has really got my back up, it's a smack in the face.

"We have complained about the mess and nothing has been done about it. I'm not saying it's my path - anyone can walk over it."

He says he understands he has broken the rules but feels the housing association should see he did it for the greater good.

However, he has been told to remove the path by Monday, March 15.

Stephanie Goad, mhs operations director, said: “Last month we received a report a private homeowner was building a pathway on our land.

"We explained he did not have permission to build there and for that reason, asked that the pathway be removed.”

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