From Dailymail · · 1m 50s
Unorthodox Priest and Neighbour Dispute
Priest sprinkles holy water on fence amid land dispute with accountant neighbor over narrow strip.
In brief
Priest sprinkles holy water on fence amid land dispute with accountant neighbor over narrow strip. Father Anatoli Vihrov and neighbor Shamaem Burrows clash over disputed land strip less than a meter wide, with police involvement and accusations of intimidation. Originally reported by Dailymail.
Bitter land dispute
Father Anatoli Vihrov and tax accountant Shamaem Burrows clash over disputed strip of land less than a metre wide between their homes in Guiseley, West Yorkshire.
Priest sprinkles holy water
Father Vihrov reportedly sprinkled holy water on the contested fence while dressed in religious robes, claiming it was an act of peace.
Neighbour's claims
Shamaem Burrows claims the Vihrovs unlawfully took over the land while renovating their garden, leaving her property without supporting foundations.
Boundary survey dispute
The Vihrovs insist a professional boundary survey proves the strip rightfully belongs to them, while Burrows claims to have 1974 title deeds showing ownership.
Police involvement
Both households reported each other to West Yorkshire Police, with Burrows being arrested for alleged criminal damage to a garden bush.
CCTV surveillance
The feud escalated to installing CCTV cameras trained on each other's properties, with Burrows claiming she now lives under constant surveillance.
Mental health impact
Shamaem Burrows reported severe emotional distress, anxiety, and depression due to the ongoing dispute and surveillance, affecting her ability to sleep and interact with her child.
Legal actions
Burrows plans to take the dispute to civil court for a definitive ruling on land ownership after the criminal case was discontinued due to insufficient evidence.
Family response
Father Vihrov's wife Elena, an NHS dentist, insists the couple has tried to follow the law and will remain patient and peaceful until the dispute is resolved.
Ongoing conflict
The dispute has lasted four years with no resolution in sight, involving accusations of intimidation, police involvement, and a professional boundary survey.
The short version
Father Anatoli Vihrov and neighbor Shamaem Burrows clash over disputed land strip less than a meter wide, with police involvement and accusations of intimidation.
