Mr Linkwater ran the Broadoak Park Garden Centre where Derek and Mavis Wilton went to purchase topsoil for their new back garden at No.4. When the soil was not delivered promptly, Derek angrily complained to Mrs Linkwater, and the soil was subsequently deposited in the Wiltons' front garden, spilling out onto the Street. Derek confronted Mr Linkwater, who refused to shift the soil, claiming that Derek hadn't specified where he wanted it.