A man is refusing to move out of his house unless the council pay him a cool £1 million. Worth a shot, isn't it?
Arthur Newey now lives in the only house left on the row, after all his neighbours moved out and the properties were demolished.
So, Arthur moved into a terraced house and now lives in a detached. Nicely done, Arthur.
The council, who have attempted compulsory purchase orders in the past, want the house gone so they can widen the A630 road outside his property.
He's found himself in an 18-year battle with the council in Rotherham, who have been trying to buy the house, but Arthur says he won't give up without a fight.
Back when Arthur had a neighbouring house. Credit: Google Maps
Two people from the council reportedly paid a visit to Arthur three weeks ago and told him they wanted to buy the house, after a valuation had been carried out. But they'll need to think again if they think Arthur is going to be bought off easily.
He told the Mail Online: "I told them I want £500,000 for the house and £500,000 compensation for what they have done to me.
"If the promise to pay me £1 million I might consider it."
Credit: Google Maps
Arthur has lived in the house for 40 years, so I can see why he's not keen on moving. His daughter, Nancy Thorpe, has said the way the council is behaving is 'disgusting'.
Arthur told the paper he thinks the stress of the fight with the council played a part in the death of his wife Barbara, who died of cancer in 2007.
He also added he isn't blocking the plans to widen the road, as the council could simply widen it on the other side.
Paul Woodcock, from Rotherham Council, told the Mail the area has 'ongoing problems with congestion' and officers were sent out to see if he was up for flogging his house after a 'For Sale' was spotted outside.
Arthur said the sign was 'just a joke' put up by his grandson. Top banter.
Featured Image Credit: Google Maps