MELKSHAM residents have sprung to the defence of a partially-sighted woman who was condemned by a neighbour for failing to put up festive lights outside her home.

They said the 'Grinch Neighbour' Christmas card sent to Carrie Fielding was "absolutely disgusting" and that the sender should be "ashamed of themselves".

Ms Fielding, of Bader Park, received the anonymous Grinch Neighbour card from a resident after she allegedly failed to get into the Christmas spirit by decorating her house with festive lights.

It accused the 56-year-old grandmother of two of being “lazy” and called her a “Grinch Neighbour”, saying other residents in the cul-de-sac had made an effort to decorate to cheer everyone up after such a bad year.

The badly-spelt card, sent via the online website Moonpig, said all the other neighbours in Bader Park had “made an effort”, adding: “Don’t be lazy. Get in the Christmas spirit. Put up some lights.”

Ms Fielding responded on local social media, saying: “I’d like the sender to know that if they wanted to upset me, they’ve done the opposite.

“I have had such an outpouring of love and support from my neighbours, friends, family and strangers, that I couldn’t fail to feel loved. So thank you my anonymous neighbour.”

She added: "When the card arrived on Tuesday, I was absolutely stunned. I was numb with shock.

"I couldn't believe it when I opened it and read what's inside. It's incredible at this time of year.

"Later, I cried because I was very upset but everyone who has heard about it, family, friends and neighbours, have been wonderful and kind."

After someone posted the incident on local social media, Melksham residents sprang to Ms Fielding's defence, with one saying: “I know the woman who received this disgusting card. She is lovely, polite and full of joy.”

“She has been involved in multiple charity events and has even arranged for someone to help walk her around her local area to view the lovely decorations with the very little sight she has left.”

“I really hope this gets back to whoever sent this and that they are ashamed of themselves!”

Ms Fielding says she “loves Christmas” but health issues this year had prevented her from decorating her house.

She said the card, which was obviously intended to offend and upset her, had rebounded on the sender.

"Where they wanted to create upset, they have triggered lots of love instead. People have been offering to get my decorations out of the attic and and put up my lights."

She has also received donations for her guide dog Mike's justgiving site. The total has risen from £145 to just over £300.

To donate, go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/bowerhillbarkersguidedogs