Neighbour replaced part of our fence!

[FrostyChristmas]

Yesterday, DH and myself returned from a month abroad caring for a sick relative. We get on well with our elderly neighbour, they had our contact details, but heard nothing from them when away.
On returned, we saw 2 front/side fence panels had fallen over. DH went around today to remove the panels and advise that he was calling a fencing company to get it fixed ASAP.
Neighbour said they already had it sorted. DH reminded them that its OUR fence to replace, WE are responsible and would pay to fix/replace it. Whilst speaking- a fencing company arrived! Neighbour said we only needed to pay 1/4 of the price- IF we wanted to!
I was working and returned to find the front side fence replaced. Its better than before, but not exactly what I would have chosen.
I'm very jetlagged and wasn't involved in the conversation, but find it odd. Why would they pay for a fence that isn't theirs on the deeds? Why should I pay 1/4 for a fence I didn't choose? Am I missing something?

I think you need to offer to pay the full amount, if you can afford it. If not, pay the 1/4.

Then move on. Life’s too short to sweat the small stuff.

We fixed our neighbours dance when it fell down in the winds. They are elderly and would have had to pay to replace it whereas my dh could repair it for nothing.

Say thanks, give them a box of biscuits. Just means you don't have to do anything with it for a while

If that were me I'd have to replace them because I have dogs so I need a secure garden. Fencing can be expensive so I wouldn't complain. It's just a fence. They did you a favour.

Did they maybe get a deal for doing both fences. Maybe there's a call out charge and cost of fixing their fence, say £100 and the fencing company have said since were here already we could do next doors fence for and extra £25.

What a lovely neighbour! You are very lucky.

It's a bit odd. But maybe they are loaded and the place looking neat is more important to them than the cost - they knew you were away and took it on themselves to sort it. It can take forever to get contracters in these days.

It also depends on the work to replace. If it is just 2 panels slotting into concrete posts it is easily done and not that expensive. If it is replacing the posts it could be a lot more.

We've paid to replace a fence that wasn't ours just because it was less hassle than relying on the neighbour and also it meant we were in control of the process (neighbour is lovely but tends to use dodgy contractors because he feels sorry for them - we call them is waifs and strays, he collects them 🤨)

Thanks for clearing that up. Yes pay for all of it then.

It's a fence, not a wedding dress. Get some perspective.

And yes, if there's been a storm, you should probably ask someone to check your fence. And you should make repairing it a priority on your return.

Maybe they didn't know when you'd be back and they just wanted it done! If you don't want those neighbours, I'll have them.

That's a bit of a turnaround... Your op says "Why should I pay 1/4 for a fence I didn't choose?" 🙄
If you wanted to choose, you had ample opportunity to do the whole thing yourself. They probably got sick of waiting for you.