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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

About the neighbours

45 replies

Millerr · 16/06/2017 20:00

There is a long back story but basically we moved in to our (council) house about 5 years ago. The house is in between two other houses and a mother lives in one of the houses and her adult daughter lives in the other house (so they are next door but one neighbours and we are next door to both of them).

Since we moved in they have made it clear that they think the daughter should have got our property from the council. Apparently a housing office 'promised' her the house when it became empty and this didn't happen.

They have been really difficult for years; banging on the walls, putting in complaints with housing, contacting social services and just generally being difficult and rude about the whole thing. Housing are well aware of the issue.

So far we have looked at the situation with a bit of bemusement (because what else can you do)

As a side, we did speak to the council about swapping, as we don't really care, but our house was extended so is bigger and the daughter can't move in as she doesn't have enough kids and we can't move into her house as we would be too overcrowded.

Anyway, today I got a phone call from my little brother at about 3oclock asking me to come back as there was a 'problem' with the fence. I got home and basically they have removed a fence panel from each side opening our garden up into their gardens. There were their kids playing in our garden when I got home.

I went round and asked them to put the fence panels back. They refused saying they don't have them!! I have called the council and they said they will deal with it next week but until then I have blocked the gaps of with some panelling. This was removed about an hour and a half ago.

I mean WTF! I genuinely don't know what to do. It's our garden and is now being used as a walkway by their kids! We are supposed to be having friends round but it's not really appropriate if the garden is open and kids are just walking through. Every time I've seen one I told them to basically get out but then their mum or grandma starts screeching about how it should be their garden?

I mean I don't think IABU but I don't know what to do?

OP posts:
SnickersWasAHorse · 16/06/2017 23:27

Do you know someone with a big dog you can borrow?

Do you have anything that you can put over the gap? Fishing line as suggested or a bit of wood with nails in it.

emmyrose2000 · 16/06/2017 23:45

Call the police on these scumbags. They've deliberately damage your property and are trespassing. Both are illegal (at least where I live).

HarrietSchulenberg · 16/06/2017 23:58

Close the gaps with wires that run into your house and tell the thuggish bastards that it's wired to the mains. They sound thick enough to believe it.
While you're at it, tell them they don't have a hope in hell of getting your house as you're not moving and you'll be reporting as much as a loud fart from them. As a PP has said, if they carry on they could lose their tenancies.

HarrietSchulenberg · 16/06/2017 23:59

Alternatively, invite everyone you know with a dog to come round for an afternoon of fun in the garden(s).

BewareOfDragons · 17/06/2017 00:08

I hope you've called the police, OP.
And keep on at the council to deal with them.

GlitteryFluff · 17/06/2017 00:19

What arse holes.
I'd call 101

FairfaxAikman · 17/06/2017 06:41

Replace the panels. Smear them with a mix of Vaseline and glitter (aka craft herpes).

What? You like your fence to look pretty. Grin

LakieLady · 17/06/2017 07:35

Probably not the right time of year for it, but come the appropriate season, I'd nail back the panels and plant some very prickly shrubs (berberis and cotoneaster are great) in front of them.

Bumdishcloths · 17/06/2017 07:48

Echoing the PP responses of trespassing/criminal damage. Take photographs and keep a diary of dates and times. Contact local police on 101, and the council, each and every time.

Socksey · 17/06/2017 08:02

Call 101... record all incidents... good advice
Do not close gap with barbed wire, fishing line or anything that could be seen as designed to inflict injury or pain unless you want to find yourself in serious trouble.. ... however much you might like to....
I feel your pain...

DartmoorDoughnut · 17/06/2017 08:08

Fucking hell they are completely batshit!!!

Afreshstartplease · 17/06/2017 08:08

What is wrong with people! Sounds like they are trying to drive you out op

I agree phone 101

Crumbs1 · 17/06/2017 08:14

Can you afford to put up a fence that is definitely inside your property rather than a ahared fence? Just about 2inches inside. I'd also,have told the children in no uncertain terms to remove themselves back to their own garden. If this didn't work (if you are scary enough it works) then I'd be watering my garden with a hosepipe and it would be a pity if the children got drenched. I'd also invest in a solicitors letter re criminal damage and trespass.

flumpybear · 17/06/2017 08:16

Absolutely phone 101 - intimidation to get you our, but they still won't get the house as it's too big for her needs!! Can't she move
To the other side of her mum's house

Total sense of entitlement - fucking yobs

ElsieMc · 17/06/2017 08:25

I can only praise your patience and tolerance until now op. They sound beyond thick that they think they would get your house anyway. Even if you moved, she would not get it. What possible difference can it make, they live next door but one to one another.

This situation is now intolerable. I would get some emergency measures in place this weekend and ask your family/friends to assist you. You will be on edge until matters are sorted by the Council and it wont be a priority for them - there is no certainty it will be next week.

You must involve the Police now. It is criminal damage, intimidation and anti-social behaviour. It is heading towards breach of the peace. It is not a question of mediation. They want you out and are piling on the pressure.

I know the house is good for you, but I would quietly ask the Council for a rehouse just to keep your options open. You need to get complaining now, keeping a log and ring the Council every day if you have to. Evicting them will be a long process and you need them both gone. You sound extremely tolerant but only you know if you can keep your nerve.

PeanutButterBunny · 17/06/2017 08:47

Animals like your neighbors should not even get council housing. I'd rather see these types homeless until they learn to be civilized. So angry for you!

Louiselouie0890 · 17/06/2017 09:02

I think it's a job for the hose

angelcakesrule · 17/06/2017 09:13

What a absolute piss take, call the non emergency police and get them out... seriously they will come, I had 2 cars and 4 officers at my house last week as I knocked st a neighbours and asked for a ball back Hmm

In the long run I'm
Not sure how this can be resolved, they are clearly mental and believe the house is theirs and chances are they won't both move so if possible I would look for a exchange... I can't see what their problem is personally they are only one House away from each other

ophiotaurus · 17/06/2017 09:19

That's awful definelty report every time the come into your property.
Borrowing dogs is also a very good idea.

spottysuperted · 18/06/2017 09:03

Bonkers Shock

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