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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To expect my new neighbour NOT to walk across my path & garden every morning??

48 replies

MascaraOHara · 10/10/2007 16:16

She moved in to my neighbour's house last weekend (he's moved in with his g/friend and is renting it out)

So far twice I have caught her close her front door and walk half across my path and then cut across my lawn (once I was even bent over doing dd's seat belt up)

I think it's just plain rude - our lawns/paths are joined and me and the bloke always will mow the others half when we are mowing our own etc but I just think how rude to just walk along my path (right in front of my winow) and over my lawn.

Also she had her washing machine on at about 4 in the morning the other day..

How long should I give her before I have words and how polite should I be?

OP posts:
Lazarou · 10/10/2007 16:18

Can you put a little fence up so she can't walk over your lawn?

mazzystar · 10/10/2007 16:20

it is rude

i'd tell her straight away and nip it in the bud

but at this stage i'd be very polite

mrsmerton · 10/10/2007 16:20

Why don't you say something like 'I wouldn't walk across there, we've just put fox repellent down', or something, just to try to break the habit. It's a tricky one, but I can see how it would annoy you. Neighbours can be a royal pain!

totalyfreaky · 10/10/2007 16:20

or get one of these

Tortington · 10/10/2007 16:21

electrocute litle fence

hanaflower · 10/10/2007 16:21

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
MascaraOHara · 10/10/2007 16:21

I was thinking more of not mowing for a few weeksn then putting a bear trap down.. followed one morning with "that'll learn ya" whilst casually doing up dd's seatbelt.

OP posts:
Original poster
MascaraOHara · 10/10/2007 16:22

no that's the other thing that's got me.. walked right behind me whilst I was lent in car (I felt her behind me if you know what I mean) didn't even hav the blooming curtesy to say hello.

I do have an unrational dislike to her already.

OP posts:
Original poster
MascaraOHara · 10/10/2007 16:23

Ahem irrational

OP posts:
EricL · 10/10/2007 16:24

Yes - my thoughts exactly. Dig a MASSIVE hole in your garden, cover it with branches and lay the turf back over it again like they do in the films.

You can sharpen some sticks and bury them in the earth at the bottom of the pit dependent on you mood when you are doing it and your inherent sadistic nature.

Lazarou · 10/10/2007 16:25

If she has already got your back up and seeing as she is only renting just say 'hello, please don't walk over my lawn'. If she doesn't like it she can move out when her contract is up.

Upwind · 10/10/2007 16:28

YABU

She is only taking a short cut and probably can't imagine why it would bother you. Especially since you have been close by and said nothing.

But your children will enjoy helping build the bear trap.

bozza · 10/10/2007 16:30

I think it is rude. Washing machine at 4 am = Economy 7?

Original poster
MascaraOHara · 10/10/2007 16:30

lol.

do you think it's rude? I mean our lawns are joined and are only small and it's not like I'm ensuring it's exactly 500mm high every week but still.. she cuts across my frount because she can't be arsed to take two steps to the right and walk down her own drive. just lazy!

OP posts:
LowFat · 10/10/2007 16:31

Borrow a cat and cover the grass in cat pooh for a few days she'll soon stop

YANBU, but be careful how you approach, can you not contact your old neighbour and have a word in his ear about her behaviour?

bozza · 10/10/2007 16:31

yes i do

Original poster
MascaraOHara · 10/10/2007 16:32

no they will have bog standard gas central heating like me - unless I hav economy 7...oooo what does economy 7 mean??

never heard neighbours washing machine before so wondering if it's on it's way out lol.

OP posts:
Lazarou · 10/10/2007 16:32

She sounds like an inconsiderate, objectionable, rude bitch. Build that trap and take her down!

RGPargy · 10/10/2007 16:32

YANBU! That would REALLY piss me off! Best thing to do would be to get a little fence and put it up. That way you also get out of mowing next door's lawn too.

Carmenere · 10/10/2007 16:32

The point is that even though you are not one for measureing the growth of your lawn, you might be. that is why it is rude. I would go with the I'm trying to teach my dc's not to walk on it so would you mind not'. that is the least confrontational manner I think.

Original poster
MascaraOHara · 10/10/2007 16:33

I nearly said to him oh give me your mobile number before you go just in case but I didn't want to rain on his parade as came round to tell me good news and that - he had been single for an eternity so I was pleased for him. Also felt I'd convinced him to go a few weeks prior so thought I best keep my mouth shut. Should have got the number.. I know what agency it's rented through and where he works etc if worse comes to worse.

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Original poster
MascaraOHara · 10/10/2007 16:34

I seriously can't get a fence.. the lawn is too smal for that.. people would think I was mad..

I think it's partly the laziness, the rudeness of not even speaking and the fact that it's bloody well mine to walk over not hers (and I don't walk over it)

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Original poster
MascaraOHara · 10/10/2007 16:36

LOL, do you know I feel so much better already.. sometimes it's nice to be allowed to be irrational.

OP posts:
RGPargy · 10/10/2007 16:36

What about getting some smallish sized potted outdoor plants and putting them across the border instead of a fence?

Original poster
MascaraOHara · 10/10/2007 16:58

possibly but might look a bit arsey - think I'd probably rather say something..

OP posts: