World’s worst hoarder ordered to clean rat-infested yard

Sharon Cochrane has been ordered to clean up her yard by the local council.

A woman whose yard has become a rat-infested pile of junk has been ordered by her local council to clean up the mess following an outcry from neighbours.

Sharon Cochrane’s property has become a hoarder’s paradise in just two short years, with broken furniture, household appliances and bags of rubbish stacked to the eaves.

The property, located in the UK at Hunstanton, Norfolk, has become a source of anger for neighbours dealing with the impact the rubbish pile is bringing to their street.

“I appreciate there are laws and regulations but some people seem to live above them,” neighbour Tammy Edmunds told The Sun.

“The street has been suffering with this on and off for ten years and in the last five weeks its gotten worse.

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Sharon Cochrane says everyone to should mind their own business when it comes to the pile of junk in her yard.

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“It’s a fire hazard and risk of health and safety.

“We’ve heard of rats from there spreading across to other properties which has meant pest control have had to come out.”

A supermarket trolley full of groceries had also been left in the yard and a damaged car is parked on the street as well.

Ms Cochrane, 66, says people should mind their own business.

“The world is going to hell in a handbasket and people care so much about my furniture on my own drive,” she said.

“I don’t understand why people are so concerned.”

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Google Maps shows how bad the yard has gotten since this street view image was taken in May 2023.

Despite Ms Cochrane’s protests, the local council has agreed “direct action” can be taken if necessary.

A spokesman for the council said: “The council is working with the owner to manage her property.

“Officers recognise that she has made an effort to clear the exterior and they will continue to support her to do this.

“However, they also have the council’s authority to take direct action, which means that if it becomes necessary a clear-up can be undertaken, for which she will be liable.”

West Norfolk Council has served an enforcement notice ordering Ms Cochrane to clear up the mess.

If the council is forced to step in and clear out the mess on its own, Ms Cochrane will be liable for the cost and could lose her AUD $520,000 property help pay.

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