Help with waste land?

Hello everyone

My first post here, I hope this is the right place to do it.
I'm looking for some help, in times of desperation!

I moved to a new home about a year ago. The previous occupants didn't want a garden, and instead used the back of the house as a giant bin. Basically I want to provide a safe area for my family before considering how I can build my garden. I employed someone to erect a fence to help keep the local kids out, and now need to sort the ground.

Trouble is the ground is on a slight slope, and was very uneven. I began to dig it over last year, with the aim of smoothing the gradient rather than getting it completely level, only to discover all the bumps were rubbish. Worse than the rubbish is the glass and milk bottles. At last count I had removed some 120 or so - nearly all of which broke (and the garden is only 7m x 7m!!) I think the best description is severe contamination - still the weeds and grass grow like crazy.

I considered removing all the rubbish and rocks and glass piece by piece, but that approach cost me all last summer/autumn and I'm no closer. I considered digging it over and turfing the top to create a blanket above the rubbish, but I've been told the glass will work its way through anyway and I want somewhere safe for my little girl to play.
Someone else suggested removing the top 1ft of the whole garden and replacing with top soil/ turf, but this is very expensive and would have to be done by hand as no access for a mini digger. I'm on a non existent budget and rent from the council, so don't want to sink lots of cash into it. Really disheartened at the mo.
Can anyone suggest what I should do??

 

Hello Nightshade and welcome to the forum.
Aren't some people just dirty middens - imagine dumping all that rubbish in the garden. What would be wrong with the rubbish bin !

If the Council is your landlord have you contacted them about it. I would try to pressure them into taking responsibility for the problem. After all you rent a house AND GARDEN from them. Don't let them fob you off. There's always the local press.

Why not contact your local Councillor. He could be your best ally in this matter.
Good luck and let us know how you get on.

 

I go with Alice, Council and Citizens Advice Bureau

 

Agreed, contact the council - perhaps use the 'safe area for family' card.