I thought Brits were supposed to be more polite than Americans. At least the Brits think they are. But Homeowner Associations are endemic around the world. And nasty neighbors can be found anywhere.
But here’s a great nomination for the Neighbors from Hell category from LA Times columnist Donie Vanitzian. It involves a neighborhood battle that’s been going on for forty years in a borough in Tyne and Wear in the northeast corner of England. 89 year old John Bushell has been jailed and fined multiple times over the years because of the unbelievable harassment of his neighbors. Bushell spends a lot of time perfecting his house and garden. But he thinks his neighbors don’t keep up their homes to his standards.
Bushell has diverted his gutters to flood his neighbors’ yards. He has painted the walls facing his neighbors black. He has threatened multiple times to shoot his neighbors and burn down their homes.
Forty years this has been going on! Crazy.
(link to Daily Mail column on the Bushell madness)
