AIBU for finding this a bit intrusive and odd?

[feedmefudge]

We have a WhatsApp group for our street. It can be a useful resource, particularly for our elderly neighbours who might need recommendations for this or that, or need some help.
One of the neighbours and his wife moved out of the street a couple of years ago. We never hear from her but he remains in the group. He does pop up now and again, so it’s not like he has forgotten he’s in the group.
I feel he should leave. He is more than capable of keeping in touch with old neighbours outside of the group.
I used to find him slightly creepy, which is perhaps colouring my view.
AIBU?

Why is it intrusive?
I’ve not left the WhatsApp group for my previous street. I still live relatively local so the information is still useful at times plus it’s nice to keep in tough with people on a group level.

Surely the group administrator(s) can remove him?

I don't find it intrusive. Just because he has left the street it doesn't mean he's dropped off the planet. He probably just wants to stay in touch.

He should definitely leave, he doesn’t live there and hasn’t for a few years - why on earth would he want to stay in the group?

Maybe next time he comments reply something like “oh my gosh John, didn’t realise you were still in this group - didn’t you move out in 2023? How time flies! Best get yourself into your new street WhatsApp instead!”

Exactly. Not every action has to have an ulterior motive. Probably just wants to stay in touch with his old neighbours. No big deal.

Do you find it creepy just because it’s a man? How would you feel about a woman doing this?

What harm is he doing?

Oh good God, this sounds like taking jobsworth to a whole new level! 👀

Leave him be.

It's a Whatsapp group for your street, not MI5! 🤣

Not a bad idea

As long as the OP doesn't mind coming across as a complete twat.

It’s a street WhatsApp group so I can’t imagine the information in it is highly sensitive or confidential. Does it matter if somebody who used to live on the street knows that the broadband has gone down this morning, or sees number 24 asking if they can borrow anybody’s big ladder, or contributes to say that John the carpenter did some good work for him when somebody asks?
Whether you liked him or not, it’s pretty benign.

If he was on there 15 times a day asking for updates about absolutely everything street related, then yeah, that would be intrusive. If he's only popping up every once in a blue moon, then no, that's not intrusive or odd.

I thought the same thing.

I don’t think it’s creepy or weird. I used to live in a city centre apartment, and the block had its own Facebook group. Usually used for people complaining about others using their car parking space, people offering free leftover food, people complaining about noise/parties. Some people post pictures of their view from the balcony on sunny/snowy days or whatever. I moved out about ten years ago and am still in the group… find it interesting to see what’s going on in my old stomping ground as I’m scrolling Facebook from time to time!

@mzpq tell me how you really feel 😂

Bless him - if he still wants to see all the ‘what day is bin day this week ?’ And ‘what colour recycling box is out today?’ And ‘anyone got a ladder I can borrow’ messages that our street chat is full of (helpful but a bit repetitive) - let him be.

It’s not hurting you him being in it and maybe it’s keeping him happy ?

takes all sorts to make a world.

There’s absolutely nothing odd about this whatsoever. Sounds like he still has an attachment to you all and wants to stay in the loop with what’s going on locally. Surely the fact there is a WhatsApp group in the first place means you’re a close nit community? If so, it’s not that surprising! We don’t have a street WhatsApp group here! 🤣

I find it weirder that, not only do you care so much about a WhatsApp group, but you care enough to post a mumsnet thread. Why does it matter? There mustn’t be very much else going on in your life at the moment.

Can you explain why it is a problem? I can't see what harm he is doing or why it is creepy. I can't imagine that any of the information on a street WhatsApp is sensitive or personal. Ours is mainly people asking for recommmodations for tradesmen, things for sale or going free and lost cats.
Perhaps he still finds the advice/information on the group helpful.

He probably wants to keep in touch with his friends. No harm in that, unless hes sending unsolicited pics of his willy or something 😉

A WhatsApp group for a street. Sounds absolutely hideous!!!

🤣 completely agree!!

Agree this is so pathetic even for MN.

Wish we had a laughing emoji on react, wouldn't need to quote then😄