THIS is what life is like on the UK's loneliest street which only has one resident – and he refuses to budge.
Nick Wisniewski, 66, is the only homeowner left in a block of 128 flats after his 200-odd neighbours shifted out 12 months ago.
He lives in a Scottish building set for demolition, alongside seven other blocks, that sits in an overgrown, abandoned area.
Many of the Stanhope Place, Wishaw, properties are boarded up, and the height of the grass surrounding the buildings can get "ridiculous".
For months there was no security, and people could get into the empty flats, and windows had been smashed to pieces.
But, it's home to Nick, and he says he's not going anywhere.
Read more on property
Inside exclusive Millionaires’ Row where celebs, politicians & YouTubers live
Inside ‘Britain’s loneliest house’ which has no sign of people for miles
That's because the retiree is mortgage free, and even with his local council offering to give him money towards a new home, Nick says he wouldn't be able to buy another house outright.
In August, the North Lanarkshire Council told him they want to redevelop the area – offering Nick £35,000 to flatten his block.
The 66-year-old bought his flat more than six years ago under the Right to Buy scheme, before it ended in Scotland.
The initiative aimed to help council tenants buy their homes at a discounted price.
Most read in The Sun
I’m A Celebrity feud ‘confirmed’ as star is missing from boozy cast dinner
Man shows off his new veneers – but people say they look like LED lights
Zara Tindall stuns in green mini dress as Matt and Gina glam up for IAC party
Gutted I'm A Celeb fans upset as part of the final goes 'missing'
And Nick, who retired last year after working for more than 20 years with TSB bank, is not in a position to buy anywhere else.
He previously told the Daily Record: “I bought my flat as I didn’t want to be paying rent for the rest of my life.
"The council have offered me £35,000 but to buy another would cost me anything between £80,000 and £100,000 now."
The council also offered him rented accommodation, but he turned it down.
Nick said: “The council said they can’t offer me a penny more. They are talking about a Compulsory Purchase Order but that’s a last resort.
"If they make me a decent offer then perhaps we could use that and my son could get us a mortgage. I’m too old for a mortgage now.”
A spokesperson for North Lanarkshire Council said: “We fully understand this is a sensitive issue and are working closely with the resident.
"It would not be appropriate to discuss the specific financial details, but we are working in accordance with our policies to ensure the resident receives a fair deal and to support him so that he finds suitable alternative accommodation.”
Read More on The Sun
I’m a mum of seven – I’ve told my kids they’re getting nothing for Christmas
‘Worst ever’ Christmas market slammed over £9 hot chocolate and no festive stalls
Just this week Nick revealed how he is now planning to spend £1,000 to repaint his living room, get new carpets, and panel his hall.
He said: "I am not worried about spending the money on doing that stuff because I am not going anywhere."
Source: Read Full Article
