We live in a semi. The next house to us have been improving their house for the last 3 years, with no sight of it coming to an end imminently. (Loft conversion, extension, demolishing internal walls, taking out chimneys, etc etc)
Between the houses is a path that leads to gates to each garden. This path is our property, although obviously we have to allow our neighbours access to their garden.
Part of their work has involved completely digging up this path. Partly because they had to lay new pipes and partly (I think) because they were doing something go the damp-proof course). We were never asked about them doing this work, although when told what they were doing they did ask us if we wanted the builders to do it so it would benefit us as well. I assumed this was the damp-proofing, but can't remember/don't know if we had much of a problem before!
They're pleasant enough people, and are obviously embarrassed about the amount of disruption/length of time it's taken (they were badly let down by their first builders).
We have been polite and accommodating throughout this process (perhaps too much so). As I work from home, the drilling, dust and general disturbance has been irritating sometimes. We have had a skip outside their house (sometimes too close to the outside of our house) almost constantly, and at one time (for probably about a year) they had a huge container - the ones you see on the back of lorries - in the front garden, which filled the whole garden (small/typical London front garden size).
They promised that when the path was finished, it would look great. I have no reason not to believe them - they have clearly spent a lot of money on doing up the house so far.
However, there is no sign of the path being finished. The trenches that they dug for the pipes etc have been filled in, but nothing else has been done.
Although we've put up with all this so far, I'm starting to get a bit worried about it ever being done - and I don't think they realise that legally it's our property.
Do we just continue being accommodating and considerate neighbours, or do you think I should do something more? And what should I do? I don't want to antagonise them as we do have to live next door to them, but I'm growing more and more concerned about what's actually going on.
Sorry for long post!