"I've worked with others for four years to turn a piece of land which had been left overgrown, covered in broken bottles and bricks, into a more attractive area. It's all been self-funded as we were turned down for funding by the parish council.

"We even bought the sign that says 'Wonderful Wistaston' - now I feel like replacing it with one that says 'Miserable Wistaston'."

He added: "All we've tried to do over the past four years is improve the area where we live - and it's all been self-funded. I could get many more volunteers if I wanted, the support on the whole in the village has been tremendous.

"But not from the parish council. There are certain people who have lived in communities for many years who don't like newcomers, regardless of their experience.

"We placed a nice colourful bench on the land, and it was ripped up a few weeks later for no reason! We've put it back since, and concreted it in.