I am kind of being unreasonable but

[SkyRanger]

It's just so annoying and I'm worried for summer..

I live in a new build estate with decent gardens that back on to each other and since moving in three years ago the neighbours teenagers (I'd say probably ranging from 13-18) kick multiple footballs into the garden daily, even in winter if it's not raining.

My garden is a bit of a feral forest at the moment as I haven't been able to get it done but can finally afford it in March but I don't tend to go into the garden that often so the teenagers either climb in and leave the back gate open (letting the dog out) or their dad comes and knocks on the door for them.

I wouldn't mind but yesterday there was three footballs in the garden so I threw them all over at dinner and by tea time two were back in!

I'm worried because once my garden is done the children ( 2 and 7 months) will be playing the the garden and I don't want a stray football hitting them in the face/head which might be a bit dramatic but could happen.

I've mentioned it to the dad but it's fallen on deaf ears and I mean if they were kids I wouldn't mind too much but one of them has a bloody job so surely you don't have to keep kicking the balls over the fence.

In the grand scheme of things I know it's not a major issue but like said I don't want it hitting the children or a window and I don't really want them to keep climbing into the garden.

What would you do? Nothing I can do really is there?

It really is just a moan.

Well I suppose it won't harm to have another word or two to try to sort it amicably. Lay out all the things you have said here about sorting out the garden, children playing out and not letting the dog out etc.

If this doesn't do the trick then I guess you will have to take steps to try to prevent it happening or make it harder for them to get it back so they are more careful.

How high is the fence? If less than about 6 feet could you make it higher, or put a trellus above fence height. This might also discourage them from climbing over. As would a prickly Bush but that is not ideal with your own little ones. And put a bolt on the gate on the inside so they can't let themselves in.

Our neighbours had two sons who often kicked things over by accident when they were young but I have to say they were unfailingly polite and always came to the door to ask for it back. For them I didn't mind throwing things back as soon as I noticed. Our DD was the same age so occasionally they had to reciprocate!

Just a thought though. In a few years time it might be your DC kicking balls in to their garden do do try the friendly and reasonable approach as much as possible