A landlord has slammed the placement of a cable box that is blocking the front of her rental property – despite knowing it was there when she bought the house.

Laxmi Kerai complained the box means cars cannot access the driveway of the three-bedroom house she rents out in Harrow’s Roxeth Green Avenue. 

The 37-year-old, who lives nearby, said she was told she would have to take on the costs to have it moved which would be “north of thousands”.

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She said: “It’s not really fair that I should be expected to pay to have it moved when it’s a clear case of poor urban design. 

“I’ve never seen a box placed like this; they’re usually on the corner out of the way. All you would have to do is move it slightly and a car could get by. 

“It’s not inclusive, it affects those who might rely on a car. This property is aimed at families, but I can only advertise to those who don’t drive.”

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She added the box was attracting fly-tippers, with rubbish regularly dumped behind it, which also has a negative impact on the property and those renting it. 

When ms Kerai bought the house, the box was already in place and a hedge ran along the front border of the drive. 

She explained she assumed she would be able to drop the kerb without issue, given the majority of homes along the road have done so. 

She said Harrow Council told her this would not be an option – even dropping part of it to allow cars to come in at an angle – due to safety concerns. 

And she now wants Virgin to co-operate with the council to get the box moved so a car can access the driveway comfortably. 

She said: “I’d be happy with whatever, even if they move it along a bit so we could put a part-kerb in,  just enough so you can get a car in which would open it up to more people.”

A spokesperson for Virgin Media said: “The cabinet on the verge outside Ms Kerai’s house has been located in the same position for more than 13 years. 

“The cabinet is not blocking a dropped kerb or official driveway but if a customer is unhappy with the location of one of our cabinets, they should contact us directly and we will review their concerns.”

Harrow Council has been contacted for comment.