The unruly swine continue to escape from a nearby farm and indulge in garden raids across Garvestone, turning manicured lawns into mud baths and causing damage that amounts to thousands of pounds.
Colin Williams, who lives at Crossing Keeper’s Cottage, is at his wits’ end after months of porcine trespassing.
Mr. Williams has resorted to installing CCTV to catch the crafty pigs in action after they caused over £1,000 of damage to his lawn.
“We came here to live in this lovely village but now the first thing you see when you cross the railway is mullered grass,” he lamented.
He also said he has notified the police, as well as the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Animal Welfare and the Animal and Plant Health Agency about the roaming pigs, but to no avail as it’s deemed a ‘civil matter’.
In a neighbouring property, Lorraine Williams battles the same issue, feeling let down by the system. “We’ve been told this is a civil matter. I’m now looking to speak with Citizens Advice about what we can do,” she said.
Her husband Phil Williams shared her frustration: “I’m angry. We just know it’s such a lot of money to fix this.”
The villagers can only hope for a permanent solution before their beloved green patches are destroyed beyond repair by the snouted invaders.
Gary Law, who also suffered damage to his garden, said: “What is the point of putting it all back if they’re just going to come back again?”
Locals believe that since the pigs are owned by farmer Trevor Armiger, he should be held responsible for the havoc. However, Mr Armiger counters this view, believing the porcine escapers are only on the loose because someone keeps sabotaging the fences meant to contain them.
With “about 100 pigs” at Orchard House, Mr Armiger insists he has CCTV evidence and vandalised locks indicating he’s dealing with criminal mischief.
“There’s nothing we’ve been doing to let them out and as soon as we’re aware they’re out, we bring them back,” he insisted, backed by his wife Danielle Armiger who said, “We’ve got proof of someone coming in and letting the pigs out. But people around here aren’t listening to the whole story.
“Trevor has kept pigs here for over 40 years and since August, someone has been letting them out.”
Norfolk police spoke on the incident, “Police received a report of criminal damage on January 5 following the victim’s fence being cut on Town Lane, Garvestone.
“All lines of enquiry have been exhausted and the case has been closed.
“Of course, we would always review any new information provided to us.”
A Breckland Council spokesperson chipped in, saying: “We are aware of this issue and are currently investigating.
“As investigations are ongoing, we are unable to discuss this matter further at the present time.”
