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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Basketball hoop in the front garden next to my window

59 replies

julshk72 · 07/08/2023 20:28

my neighbours have installed hard surfaces covering both back and front gardens. The back is wood and used for skateboarding. The front now has a basketball hoop on concrete.

There is not one room in my home that isn't constantly banging or skateboarding. My old dog is terrified to go out. I feel like I'm going crazy.

AITA for thinking the hoop is step too far - they have a driveway at the side as well as another garden that's been turned to hard surface. Cannot understand why they would put it next to my living room and bedroom window instead.

OP posts:
Hellocatshome · 07/08/2023 20:40

I think I'm going to need a diagram. I dont understand how it is next to your window if its in their garden. Unless they have put it right on the boundary line which would be an odd place to put it.

Theunamedcat · 07/08/2023 20:43

On the boundary? Are you a flat? Can you put a fence up and stop them getting their ball back?

Original poster
julshk72 · 07/08/2023 20:47

yup a foot away from the boundary on the external wall between their window and mine

OP posts:
Original poster
julshk72 · 07/08/2023 20:48

no we're in a semi- they put it up just the other side of the fence about a foot away from the boundary - we have bay windows

OP posts:
Hellocatshome · 07/08/2023 21:04

How would the parents respond if you asked them to move it to the other side?

Original poster
julshk72 · 07/08/2023 21:06

badly drawn!

Basketball hoop in the front garden next to my window
OP posts:
Original poster
julshk72 · 07/08/2023 21:10

not good - i tried to politely ask them to do something about the skateboarding noise (sometimes after midnight even though their kids are under 10). got threats and worse noises as a result (ball is also kicked inside on our shared wall regularly, my poor daughter barely gets any sleep these days)

OP posts:
LadyVictoriaSponge · 07/08/2023 21:11

You poor thing having to put up with that front and back, so inconsiderate, selfish and anti social and your poor dog as well, no doubt loads will say it’s their garden they can do what they like, kids need to play blah blah blah but honestly the lack of consideration for other people these days is staggering.

thebellagio · 07/08/2023 21:11

Omg I have full sympathy. My neighbours have a huge patio. They’ve also added in a skateboard ramp and a basketball net. The fucking dribbling of the ball is winding me up something chronic. At weekends, the lad will do it for 3hrs solid. We’ve had to shut all our doors and windows to try and block out the sound because it’s so relentless

Original poster
julshk72 · 07/08/2023 21:13

yes! the lack of consideration and the entitlement.

im trying not to become bitter but tempted to start feeding the seagulls along that spot on the boundary just to get the thing covered in poo.

so far it's cost me £2000 in vets fees because of the old boys nerves being shot ...he was literally tearing his fur out and peeing blood all because of it. we know this because they went away for two weeks and doggo was fine - until they returned.

OP posts:
Original poster
julshk72 · 07/08/2023 21:15

oh i'm so sorry you're facing this too!

i have lost deliveries because i now live in headphones (can't hear the door so they get returned!) but even through headphones AND earplugs I still hear the incessant banging and obligatory shrieking!

you have my full sympathies

OP posts:
LadyVictoriaSponge · 07/08/2023 21:17

I’m so angry on your behalf, when people live in close proximity they should be mindful of how their lifestyle affects their neighbours and be considerate but no, it’s all me, myself and I.

Hellocatshome · 07/08/2023 21:20

Thats awful I'm sorry you have to put up with the inconsiderate shits. And thats a rediculous position for a basketball hoop. Do they rent either privately or through housing association? You might get some help from the landlord. But if they own im not sure what you can do apart from a council noise complaint.

Duchessofspace · 07/08/2023 21:21

Classical music on high volume or one of those very high pitched sounds to male children move along …….

Original poster
julshk72 · 07/08/2023 21:21

Oh they were very clear with me that they would do whatever they wanted whenever they wanted and to hell with anyone else.

They also made it clear if I complained to anyone they would label me a racist. Shocking position to be in.

OP posts:
Duchessofspace · 07/08/2023 21:21
  • to make them
eatdrinkandbemerry · 07/08/2023 21:22

Skatepark in back garden
Basket ball hoop in front garden
And drum kit in bedroom 🤔
That's how my neighbour rolls and it's causing me the rages 😡

Original poster
julshk72 · 07/08/2023 21:22

no they are new owners. they've threatened to report me as a racist if i dare complain to anyone.

a solicitor is probably the way forward but where is the line? i don't want to be unreasonable of course

OP posts:
Original poster
julshk72 · 07/08/2023 21:24

ah yes mine have amplified electric guitars and piano too - and they're bloody awful at both.
sorry to hear you got this nonsense too

OP posts:
GrumpyPanda · 07/08/2023 21:24

Duchessofspace · 07/08/2023 21:21

Classical music on high volume or one of those very high pitched sounds to male children move along …….

Better still, avant-garde. Try Meredith Monk?

Original poster
julshk72 · 07/08/2023 21:25

i read about the high frequency things - but i don't want to hurt the children. it's not their fault.

if there was one that worked on parents i'd be buying that for sure!

OP posts:
LadyVictoriaSponge · 07/08/2023 21:28

Honestly from what you have said they are going to make your life a misery for years, I know it’s drastic, but in your position I would plan to move, not report them to anyone otherwise you will have to declare that when you sell. There is no law that will support you (unbelievably) so you need to leave if you can.

Mutinyonthecrunchie · 07/08/2023 21:28

Fuck the racist card, some people are too quick to bang on about being that. Contact enviromental at your local council. Make note of times when it happens and how long.

Boomboom22 · 07/08/2023 21:29

Start with the council noise complaints. If someone comes put I'd think they'd say remove the hoop! It's so obviously unreasonable to be there.
If the under 10s are Outside at midnight maybe call 101 and report to social services as a concern unless it was a one off.
Ignore the racism angle, it would be racist not to follow the same processes you would with anyone else behaving in this way.
Once you have followed all routes including harassment reporting to police if they are rude then is the time to go to a solicitor. Cameras would very good front and back covering your property as they will show the shaking.