My DM and DF (mid seventies) live on a pleasant eighties-build housing estate with open-plan fronts i.e. no fences. They've lived there since new and have had various neighbours in that time - no problem. They are passionate about their beautiful garden and tend it daily, including a narrow strip of ground, about 60' long by 10' wide that divides the two front driveways. The last five years or so, the latest neighbours on one side (a much younger couple) have been claiming that this ground is half theirs My parents disagree and, looking at the plans attached to their title deeds, have a point.
Despite various interventions, the problem rumbles on unresolved. The neighbour refuses to accept the title deeds as being definitive and has been claiming his turf quite aggressively, digging up plants, spraying weedkiller on others, throwing any temporary border markers out. My DM, not bothered by a bit of confrontation, has been holding her own so far, possibly aggravating the situation as a result. It finally came to a head when the neighbour smashed some decorative pots outside DM's front door, the police were called and now DM and DF are being asked to go to mediation with the neighbour.
Both are very upset. My DM loves her home of 30 years but is now saying she wants to move house. My DF (a Parkinsons sufferer and registered disabled) is so anxious he doesn't want to sit out in the garden in case he sees the neighbour. They 'don't want to bother me' with their problems but I am.
Thank you for reading so far and does anyone have experience of this? The open-plan aspect means a fence can't be erected even if everyone agreed where it would go. The title deeds plan is good but doesn't include specific measurements that might settle the argument once and for all. Is mediation the best way forward when it's two pensioners up against an aggressive younger couple - or is it too unequal? Should I be telling them to get a solicitor and leave it to them? Thanks