Wwyd? Neighbours

[NoRoomInBed]

So everyone loves a neighbours thread. My issue is we have a trampoline in the garden. I keep finding next doors kids on it. They are 6 and 4. They open the gate and jump on.

My kids are not using it atm. its lockdown. Should I let them use it. They are probably going crazy from boredom.
It's slightly annoying me but at the same time I kinda understand.

It's out of order to let themselves in, but if you're not bothered, it's kind of you to allow them to continue but ask them to ask permission first?

Actually more than being concerned about them blaming your for injury I’d be annoyed they were using my play equipment. There’s a reason play parks are closed at the moment.

Even if they agree it’s not your responsibility if they have an accident they will still blame you if it happens. They are clearly CFs if they’re letting their kids go in to your garden without asking so don’t underestimate what they will do

Bollocks to that, I’d knock next door and say my kids don’t use the trampoline any more so I’m thinking of selling it, do you want first dibs before I take it down?

It’s totally cheeky of the parents to not ask first!

But I’d let them use it personally

You need to talk to your neighbour before the children hurt themselves and things get nasty

Sell it to them or tell them no.

If they get hurt, their parents may go after you financially.

The parents are likely to say you gave the kids permission to use it if something happens. Personally I'd lock the gate.

My visiting friend let her (older then mine) kids go on our trampoline which was okay with me initially. I was gobsmacked seeing my friend stand and watch her huge boys leap at the netting repeatedly and trying to tear it down. Extra points if they could break right through. By the time I'd got them off it was ruined. No offer of compensation from friend and when I mentioned it she said that my kids were on the 12ft trampoline too (though not jumping at the bloody safety nets!)
I can imagine your neighbours who allow their kids to use other peoples property without permission would have the same cheek to not pay for damage and potentially also sue if their kids got hurt.

Lock the gate and shoo the kids back through to their own garden. Say something like, "I'm sorry but our trampoline isn't to be used now. Maybe your mum and dad will buy you your own"

As the OP has already said the kids would probably climb over the gate then I'd be inclined to take it down temporarily. Not sure how easy that is though.

Err, what about social distancing and the spread of covid? Why do you think playgrounds are closed?

I can't believe your neighbours either think it's OK to let their child wander into another person's garden and play or is unaware of what their children are doing for half an hour at a time.

If your kids don’t want it give it to your neighbours, stop putting yourself at risk of taking the blame for an accident!

It does have a safety net, that’s just the thing of it. Unclipped it to come out and somehow just went head first off before taking a step!

jeez!!!! have a chat with the parents (they may not know) and if they are happy let them use it! Why not? Times are tough enough without being mean. God I am despairing even more than normal at 90% of MN right now.

I think its bloody cheeky! And irresponsible as a parent to let your kids go to next door...1. without asking your permission! 2. Assuming you're fine with it and will be watching them 3. We're meant to be social distancing still...so how is it fine for them to go in someone else's garden when you might want to use it!

I'd have words with the parents...doesn't matter how lovely they are it's still rude not to ask!

You could get into a lot of bother OP if your trampoline isn’t netted and a child gets hurt.
If your children aren’t interested then get rid of it.
It’s your trampoline, on your property and you will be liable as it will be deemed that, by allowing these other children on it, that you have given permission.
You’re in a very dodgy position.

I would lock the gate, & tell the neighbour that once lock down is over they can use it when invited, but you are not prepared for them to just rock up & help themselves, they need surveillance, & you are busy, it is not your responsibility if they injure themselves break their necks they are trespassing, & you are locking the gate

@BashStreetKid incorrect. The mother is responsible for the children unless there is a formal relationship where she has handed responsibility of her children to the OP. Which she hasn’t.

In order for the OP to be liable the OP would need to be responsible for the children, the accident foreseeable and proof that she had been negligent. None of those criteria applies.

Only on mumsnet have I seen someone being called mean unless they let someone else's children use their garden.

I would have a word with the parents and ask them to stop the dc coming into your garden. I'd be worried about them potentially spreading Covid. Plus I would find it very rude. What happens when your dc get keen on the trampoline again?

Will have a word and say if anything happens they are responsible for the kids.

Even if you've done this, you could be responsible for injuries on your property under the Occupiers' Liability Act. I agree with PP that locking your gate could mitigate your responsibility as you've taken steps to make it safe by restricting access.

Why not ask if they want to borrow the trampoline for a fixed period of time (say six weeks)? Then drag it round into their garden. It's their problem then if they fall off it, after the six weeks are up your children may have rediscovered their love for trampolining and you will have been a good neighbour.

Won't help if they break it, or won't give it back after the six weeks of course, but might stop you being sued if there are broken arms and legs.

I would definitely offer to sell it to them, or even give it to them, but wouldn't allow them to keep using in your garden

You are risking an insurance nightmare. You will be held responsible if something happens.

Google Occupiers Liability and get educated on your duty of care to trespassers (which the little "darlings" are...)

I'd be taking the damn trampoline down.