Right then, picture this: a forgotten corner of Cornwall, a village called St Erth, and a ghost estate straight out of a post-apocalyptic film. But instead of zombies, we've got… squatters.

Meet Victoria Morrall, 39, and David Antram, 61. This dynamic duo have apparently decided this abandoned estate is their new kingdom.

Complete with their trusty steeds (ponies, to be precise) and two Rottweilers that probably wouldn't win any obedience awards.

Their claim? They're providing security for the ten desolate homes. Think of them as the self-appointed neighbourhood watch… with added ponies.

But hold your horses (pun intended!) because the locals ain't exactly thrilled. In fact, you could say they're absolutely fuming.

And why wouldn't they be? Imagine waking up one morning to find your quiet village suddenly hosting a makeshift menagerie and a pair of… well, let’s call them "unconventional" residents.

Is this some sort of bizarre rural remake of "Escape from New York"?

Word is, this estate has been derelict for years, a victim of the housing crisis. It’s basically been left to rot.

So, are Victoria and David noble protectors, bravely guarding the abandoned homes from further decay? Or are they simply exploiting a bad situation for their own benefit?

The villagers, understandably, are leaning towards the latter. They want them gone. Pronto.

They argue that the presence of the ponies and Rottweilers is disruptive and intimidating. And, let’s face it, who wants to stroll down the street with the risk of a rogue pony nibbling their handbag?

The council is reportedly involved, trying to navigate this delicate situation. Evicting squatters is rarely straightforward, especially when they claim to be offering a service, however unwanted.

It's a classic case of "one man's trash is another man's… pony stable?"

Adding fuel to the fire, some locals have pointed out the potential environmental concerns. Are the ponies being properly cared for? Are the Rottweilers under control? These are valid questions, indeed.

The abandoned houses themselves are also a point of concern. Decaying structures can be dangerous, and inviting further occupation isn’t exactly ideal from a safety perspective.

Could this Cornish ghost estate become a battleground between squatters and villagers? Only time will tell.

Perhaps a compromise can be reached. Maybe Victoria and David could find a more suitable location for their… operation.

Or maybe, just maybe, this whole situation could serve as a wake-up call, prompting the authorities to finally address the issue of abandoned properties and bring these ghost estates back to life.

Until then, St Erth remains a village divided, caught in a bizarre saga of ponies, Rottweilers, and a whole lot of disgruntled locals.

One thing's for sure: this is one Cornish tale that’s far from over. Pass the popcorn, folks, because this could get interesting.

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