A homeowner has allowed his front garden to become so overgrown that it is taking over the street.

The garden of the terraced house in Ramsgate is a mass of vines, trees and shrubs that have even pushed over a neighbour's wall.

Hidden among all the greenery are a van, a car and even a boat. A family of squirrels are living in the van.

The whole front of the house has disappeared under the foliage, and the Post Office has stopped trying to deliver letters to the property.

Thanet District Council says it has been trying to engage with the owner, but so far without success.

A spokesman said: “We are aware of the situation at the property on Boundary Road, Ramsgate and our Empty Homes Team has attempted to engage with the owner on more than one occasion, unfortunately without success.

“A council inspector will be visiting the property to assess the current position and to determine whether we have recourse to any legal enforcement. "

He said: “Our primary aim will be to bring the property back into residential use, it could provide a much needed home in this time of ever growing housing needs.”

But The Sun newspaper has spoken to neighbours who say that a man does live there - entering and exiting by the rear because it is impossible to get on the front.

They described him as "very nice, but a bit secluded."

One neighbour who had lived n the street for 12 years and seen the situation grow progressively worse, told The Sun: "He is very much a recluse who keeps himself to himself.

"He is an enigma wrapped in a bush."

The rear of the property is little better, with the yard jammed with rusting cars.