AIBU to expect neighbours not to break every fecking thing...?

[QueenArseClangers]

We have a 'problem' NDN: Drug taking family staying, threats of violence, rats, nine million foot high conifers, police being called out frequently. This has been going on for donkeys years. Believe it or not she's nearly 70.

Her smackhead nephew (also a burglar who took drugs in the driveway in front of our children who were playing in our garden) who stays with her decided to kick our shared passage door down during one of his moments. The passage runs in between the two terraced houses and provides joint access to our back gardens.

The bottom half of the door is now missing.

The massive hedges (nearly twice as high as our houses) lean on our guttering and roof and now her 4 huuuge dogs have pushed a hole through the fence trying to get at our dog/kids.
We're fed up of asking her nicely to help resolve these issues. Why should we fork out (we're skint with 5DC) to solve problems that our ndn's caused?
Also should add that I have a newborn and PND which is not being helped by constantly worrying about what's going to go wrong next...

Ring the council ref the conifers/trees, there's something called the 'high hedges act'
www.gov.uk/how-to-resolve-neighbour-disputes/high-hedges-trees-and-boundaries

the council can cut them down and send her the bill, then you could put fencing on your side to protect your children and dogs

Afaik, the council will only do work on trees on private property if it directly affects a public area. As I understand it from the op that isn't the case here. I think that's probably what you mean, Gemma?

Council in my area demands £500 on a complaint under the High Hedges Act, you have been warned . . .

I think that's a standard fee Andrew. Mine charge that as well. And even then they will want you to prove you have taken reasonable steps to resolve the issue first.

Thanks for your replies. Wish we could come into some money, buy her out and let my lovely mum live next door instead!

It would be worth your while contacting Citizens Advice Bureau - if the hedges are nearly twice as high as your house and leaning on your gutters, you will end up with damage.

You don't want her DNephew cutting them I'm sure, and she might (or might not) give you permission, but then you'd need to cut them/find someone/pay someone.
If you've had advice then you have a stronger standing.