A man faces being kicked out of a quiet village despite being convicted of scaring doggers and flying skippers.

But the local council says people have complained about Martin’s presence, raising concerns about waste disposal and the fires he sets.

Norfolk Council has now told Martin and his biscuit terrier to leave.

This means the imminent end of the life he has lived with the cabbages, zucchini and runner beans he grows.

Martin, who uses the facilities at nearby pubs and shops, said: “People from the council who come say I need to be put into a house, to which I say ‘no thanks’.

“I don’t want to live in a house, otherwise I would have chosen this life years ago. They just don’t understand.

“But I really hope they realize that I am an honest, approachable man who only minds my own business and keeps the council out of trouble.”

“I think it’s hard that they’re trying to get rid of me. I do everything to ensure that the path is tidy and accessible to walkers.

Any movement from his current position brings uncertainty and the possibility that he will face in the future what he suffered in the past.

Before moving to Sandy Lane, Martin said he faced “constant harassment”, including eggs thrown at his fan, in other rural areas around Yarmouth.

Martin said: “Although I have a pastoral view over the fields and feel isolated, I am here just 50 meters from a row of houses.

“It makes me feel much safer than I have experienced in the 25 years of living freely and autonomously with nature.

“And really, the people here in Belton have for the most part been very welcoming and really nice. It’s a beautiful community here.

“Obviously you’re not going to please everyone, I realize that and I respect people’s opinions, but most people have been so nice, which has helped me feel at home.”

This is the point of view of a local resident, a man in his sixties who wishes to remain anonymous. He said: “Look at all the work he has done to keep everything tidy here.

“We should thank and respect him for his selflessness and minding his own business.”

“I think it will be difficult to find anyone on the street who has a problem with him.”,

But David Mills, chairman of Belton Parish Council, disagrees. He said: “We have received many complaints from residents in the village, people concerned about where he puts his rubbish, lights fires there and that he is living illegally.

“If people come to us with concerns, as a council we have to follow up on their issues and find a solution since we are acting on behalf of the village.

“He lives on Norfolk County Council land so we’ve just contacted them and it’s in their hands.”

A Norfolk Council spokesperson said: “Norfolk County Council is aware of the situation and is addressing it in accordance with the Norfolk Protocol for the Management of Unauthorized Encampments. »