Pat’s garden is her ‘only pleasure’ – and she likes nothing more than growing plants to give her friends and visitors. At the age of 86 she wants to make the most of every summer because – in her words – ‘I may not be around for the next one’.

But this year Pat Phillips has spent her summer in the dark. Her plants have died and she couldn’t grow more. Instead of gardening, she spends her days worrying about what will happen next.

That’s because Pat and her neighbours have been made to live for six months underneath scaffolding that completely blocks their daylight after it was put up and left there by Slough Borough Council and its contractor Cardo.

“The only pleasure I had was with my garden and being able to give plants to other people here and there,” Pat says. “It was one of the best looking gardens in the block. There were roses all around and a lovely big fuchsia bush. It’s completely died from the bottom up now.

You can read the full story in this week’s edition of the Slough Observer. Also in this week's paper:

  • ‘Obesity jab to help people out of work is naive’ - page 5
  • Exhibition celebrates Britwell estate - page 3
  • 'We're one joke away from being cancelled' - page 16
  • PLUS: All the latest from Slough Magistrates' Court

  • Family announcements

  • Local events round up

  • A four-page puzzle special

  • Entertainment news and a comprehensive TV guide

  • Public notices

  • Camera club

  • Sport and more! 

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