An Isle of Wight couple say their garden has been unusable for years after their upstairs neighbour threw used heroin needles into it.

They have slammed Sovereign Network Group (SNG) for inaction.

Jack and Beckie Francis's garden, on Furrlongs in Newport, is completely overgrown - a mixture of bindweed and nettles.

They have not set foot in it since they saw the first needle two and a half years ago.

The couple's neighbour has since died, and his garden left piled high with rubbish.

The neighbouring gardens at the flatsThe neighbouring gardens at the flats (Image: IWCP)

Jack said: "Our garden is completely unusable. We were basically told by Sovereign Housing, if anyone was called, we would be charged for it. It's just stress we really don't need."

Jack and Beckie have lived at the property since 2020, and are expecting their first child.

Beckie said: "The place is not suitable at the best of times, especially not to have a baby in.

"We had a hospital appointment, and the baby has come in underweight, which could be due to stress."

Jack added: "We've had sleepless nights. We can't get outside without fear of standing on a used needle and contracting who knows what."

Jack and Beckie said they wanted SNG to take responsibility, but SNG only got involved in the last two weeks after the County Press made enquiries. The couple have emails showing they had previously asked SNG for help.

Jack said: "I want to make the property safe to live in. We want them to take accountability for their inaction, and put the property back into the position when we first moved in.

"If I saw this place now, I wouldn't want to live here."

Since Jack and Beckie made contact with the County Press two weeks ago, their flat has been visited by representatives of SNG and the police.

An SNG spokesperson said: "Garden maintenance is generally the responsibility of our customers.

"Our contractors began clearing the neighbouring garden on Friday.

"To help bring the area back into a manageable condition, they’ll then clear Mr Francis’ garden — safely removing any needles if found — with the aim of completing that work by the end of the week.”