Couple discover their home is in a distinct tier from the backyard

A pair whose house is in tier 2 are usually not allowed meet associates in their very own backyard – as a result of it’s in tier 3.

A weird boundary quirk implies that Sheila and Philip Herbert’s indifferent home within the Yorkshire city of Otley is within the center bracket of the brand new coronavirus restrictions, however their again garden is within the strictest band.

The unusual anomaly has risen as a result of a culvert working underneath their land is the official boundary between Leeds Metropolis Council in West Yorkshire and Harrogate Borough Council in North Yorkshire, that are in numerous classes of the brand new alert system.

Individuals in tier 2 can meet socially in teams of six outdoor together with in non-public gardens. However Sheila and Philip are prohibited as a result of, as soon as they step out of their conservatory, they’re within the greater tier.

Ms Herbert, a retired chiropodist, mentioned she and her husband, a former govt officer within the justice system, have been “simply being smart” in regards to the uncommon scenario.

“We buy groceries on the nearest grocery store, which is in tier 3, however they’re all open anyway, so hopefully I’m not breaking any guidelines,” she informed SWNS information company.

“My daughter lives in tier 3, however we’re in her assist bubble so so long as I can nonetheless see her, that’s all I’m bothered about.”

She added: “My next-door neighbour pays her council tax to Leeds and we pay our council tax to Harrogate. Our bins are collected by completely different councils.”

The boundary quirk dates again nearly half a century to when the road was first constructed above the culvert, however the boundary between the 2 areas remained the identical.