A pensioner has hit out at a housing association’s communication skills after a row erupted over an extension to a neighbour’s home.

Christine Baker, of Yew Close, Witham, is at odds with Greenfields Housing Association over the company’s management of the ongoing works to make her next door neighbour's property accessible for a disabled family member.

First Mrs Baker says she was told there would be a buffer between her home and next door, before the builders backtracked and said the extension would in fact need to touch her property.

Then she was asked her to pay for the repointing of the party wall, before the company again backtracked, leaving her incredibly confused as to the situation.

Mrs Baker, 72, said: “They have messed me around and they have not considered or listened to me in this.

"I understand the work needs to be done but I do not see why it needs to be built up to my wall.

“I have been hearing different things from them all the time.

“I think they should be a bit more considerate as I have lived here for 44 years.”

Whilst she fully admits the family needs the support, Mrs Baker says Greenfields has left her feeling frustrated and upset with its handling of the situation.

“I first heard about it last year. I asked whether it would be attached to my house and they told me there would be a gap between the properties," she said.

“Then they backtracked on that and said it would be built up to my wall.

“At first they were adamant I would have to pay because they told me it was my wall, then I was told the council would pay for it.

“They have been sending me mixed message all the time.”

A spokesman for Greenfields said: “The work is being facilitated by Braintree District Council under their Disabled Facilities Grant process and is based on recommendations from an occupational therapist, to help make life easier for the whole family.

“As the residents’ landlord, we have approved the work to be carried out.

“This includes a party wall award, which is normal practice and agreed with the surveyor appointed by Mrs Baker; who is liaising with her.”