A little advice please

[flatyre]

Just out of curiosity if a situation like this arose and a neighbour phoned the police, would the plod not put it down as a civil matter and not get involved. Not sure if its just a Northern Ireland thing but over here most issues regarding property short of burglary, arson, vandalism etc. are classified as "civil matters" which are not dealt with by the police (or anyone as far as I can tell). Good friends of mine had new neighbour move in next door, and immediately asked if they could remove the hedge between the two properties, mate apologised but said no as it was only 5 ft high and provided privacy as well as keeping the kids and dogs in. Nice new neighbour ripped the hedge out one day while mate was out with the family. He called the police but was told "civil matter, we can't do anything".

[Steve Bullman]

Sounds like more hassle than its worth to me

[Andyd1606]

Just out of curiosity if a situation like this arose and a neighbour phoned the police, would the plod not put it down as a civil matter and not get involved. Not sure if its just a Northern Ireland thing but over here most issues regarding property short of burglary, arson, vandalism etc. are classified as "civil matters" which are not dealt with by the police (or anyone as far as I can tell). Good friends of mine had new neighbour move in next door, and immediately asked if they could remove the hedge between the two properties, mate apologised but said no as it was only 5 ft high and provided privacy as well as keeping the kids and dogs in. Nice new neighbour ripped the hedge out one day while mate was out with the family. He called the police but was told "civil matter, we can't do anything".

 

 

It's a civil matter rather than criminal law. The police may be called to prevent breach of peace etc but would only result in a civil offence in which the neighbour would need to contact a solicitor and take matters further.

[Andyd1606]

Do you want a hug when I see you?

 

 

Yes that would be lovely ☺️

[csservices]

Mountains out of mole hills by some responses, it's simple give the neighbour a knock prior to starting, say your doing the work and explain you may need access to tidy up if anything falls over the fence, I'd say 9 times out of ten the neighbour will be fine to allow you access even if they don't get on with your client.

[Farmer Tom]

^This.

Yeah maybe we're overreacting a bit.

[cornish wood burner]

I would have done but the client said she'd take care of it.. This was obviously the outcome! Obviously I would have introduced myself on the day if I hadn't heard anything to make me think she hadn't dealt with it. I'm always as polite and courteous as possible as it can always lead to more work.

 

Might just be your clients version or even their understanding or explanation of the law. If your passing I would have a chat with the neighbour. As been said no way throw it over the fence.

[felixthelogchopper]

Yes that would be lovely ☺️

 

:lol:

[Starscream]

I questioned the email yesterday, this is the response!

 

Good morning,

 

We are not on speaking terms with the neighbours and over the last few weeks things have gone from bad to worst and they have threatened legal action if we try to speak to them regarding a fence they have replaced and in the process encroached onto our property. You can speak to them if you wish but i would not advise it. They are angry unreasonable and have a lot of time and energy for foolishness.

 

If their cuttings are not returned to them i strongly suspect that they will seize the opportunity to sue us. We are in the process to talking to our solicitor confirming our legal position regarding trees/shrubs/fences

 

I'm going to talk to the neighbours. I have no interest in their dispute but before people start saying "move on", "life's too short" "walk away", it's a challenge that I will rise to, and I'll be damned if I walk away from a wage. We've all had the easy jobs where the trees in the front garden, drop zones a gift and you quoted 2 days and smash it in one.. Well nows my turn for a pig!! If there's any more sound advice out there I'd gladly listen. I think I need to basically make the neighbour aware that they are welcome to the arisings and that access from there side would be beneficial/quicker/safer.. By the sounds of it though looks like I've got some hard graft on my plate!!

[felixthelogchopper]

I questioned the email yesterday, this is the response!

 

Good morning,

 

We are not on speaking terms with the neighbours and over the last few weeks things have gone from bad to worst and they have threatened legal action if we try to speak to them regarding a fence they have replaced and in the process encroached onto our property. You can speak to them if you wish but i would not advise it. They are angry unreasonable and have a lot of time and energy for foolishness.

 

If their cuttings are not returned to them i strongly suspect that they will seize the opportunity to sue us. We are in the process to talking to our solicitor confirming our legal position regarding trees/shrubs/fences

 

I'm going to talk to the neighbours. I have no interest in their dispute but before people start saying "move on", "life's too short" "walk away", it's a challenge that I will rise to, and I'll be damned if I walk away from a wage. We've all had the easy jobs where the trees in the front garden, drop zones a gift and you quoted 2 days and smash it in one.. Well nows my turn for a pig!! If there's any more sound advice out there I'd gladly listen. I think I need to basically make the neighbour aware that they are welcome to the arisings and that access from there side would be beneficial/quicker/safer.. By the sounds of it though looks like I've got some hard graft on my plate!!

 

Whatever the neighbour's decision is with regard to the arisings etc, make sure you get confirmation in writing. Last thing you want is to be 'collateral damage'.