AIBU re this odd request from neighbours?

[yorkshapudding]

Our NDN's came over to tell us that they are having some work done in their back garden starting tomorrow- having a fence built, some trees cut down, rubbish cleared etc. They estimate it will be about two full days work, possibly more. They then told us that they were going away and would not be back until after the job has finished. They explained that they don't want to leave the workmen a key for "security reasons" so this means they will have no power source to plug tools in, no access to a bathroom or kettle etc. so would we be in and if so would we mind 'helping out' with those things.

I explained that DH will be at work and while I am actually off work for the next couple of days, I will have various errands, things to do, want to take DC out etc. so will be in and out of the house. They then asked when I was planning on going out so they could let their workmen know and saying "oh don't worry, they'll work around you". I told them that I hadn't made firm plans and didn't know when I would be going out. To be honest I don't really want to be tied to a schedule and I also don't like the idea of three strange men traipsing around my house for two days. I told them that I was sorry but they needed to either provide them with a key or arrange for the work to be done at a time when they would be home as we couldn't be on hand for two days to provide cups of tea, electricity and access to bathroom facilities etc.

Although they were polite, I got the distinct feeling that NDN's thought I was being mean and not very neighbourly.

AIBU or is it a bit much to expect me to accommodate all this? Initially I thought they were being cheeky (they don't want to leave these men a key but I should just open my house up to them!) and that it was a bit of a strange request but due to their reaction (they seemed quite surprised that I said no) I'm now doubting myself. They are generally quite annoying neighbours, nothing too awful just a bit noisy and inconsiderate at times, so I don't trust myself to be objective!

So to knock on your back door they have had to trespass into your back garden without your express permission and

Oh this is too good - cheeky beggars! Well done you for saying no!!

Criminal damage or theft if your plants are removed?

Mini, the plants are in a flower bed in front of their fence but have grown so that some of it is encroaching on their side now that the old fence has been removed if you see what I mean. They said they are hoping they can get away with cutting them back a bit rather than removing them but won't know until they actually come to fit the panels. Not impressed.

Other neighbour has just been round. She was fuming! NDN's asked her after they asked us yesterday apparently. Her response was "are you going to pay my electricity bill then?" which was met with nervous laughter. She told the builders she had already said no and they were polite, didn't try to push it or anything.

They're out there now hammering away so I assume they've decided they can make do without power tools for now.

Where is the skip ? Time for a big clear out

So the neighbours asked both of you, you both refused, and they didn't bother to sort anything else out, or let the builders know??

What on earth are you going to say to them when they get back??

Red, there doesn't seem to be a skip . Bit annoying as I could do with having a clear out.

OOAML, I will definitely be having words. Not sure exactly what I'm going to say but they need to know that the way they have handled this is extremely selfish and irresponsible. If my poor plants do end up being sacrificed for their fence then I will be telling NDN's that I expect them to replace them.

I see, that's a difficult one if they need to cut the plant to fit the fence. You could cut them back to within your boundary yourself, if you want to keep them, then they wouldn't have a reason to rip them out.

I wonder if NDNs realise it will cost a lot more in labour this way and it would have been cheaper to offer to pay for the electricity rather than just giggling.

Tiz, they weren't planted on their boundary. They are on our side but now that the fence isn't there a bit of plant is hanging over the boundary. Does that count as the same thing?

It's all too fabulous. Especially the detour into weeping bicycle monkeys.

I love mad neighbour stories. I had one for about seven years and it was seriously awful but I can laugh about it now - six years after the bastards have gone.

One of the lesser of their crimes against us was similar to this. They'd just moved in. We had no idea of the hell that would bring.

She came round one Sunday and announced that builders were coming the next day and as she didn't have a basement and we did, could they store their equipment and materials down here?

It was phrased as a question but her manner suggested she was not expecting refusal.

I said: 'Er, well, I want to help but we lock the gate to the steps when we're out and I don't want to leave it open because the basement would be vulnerable to break-in.'

She said: 'Well you can just give them your key and they would lock up for you.'

I said: 'Er, no I don't think that would be a good idea.'

She then accused me of being unneighbourly and left. I thought that was the end of it but of course not. At 7.30am the next day the builders turned up with all their stuff, rattled the gate, loudly discussed whether to climb over or drill the lock out , then knocked on the door and asked us to open up.

I told them no so they went away without doing any work because there was nowhere to store their stuff.

Later that evening she came round again and ranted at us for wasting the builders' time and costing her money for a wasted day's work . We closed the door.

She eventually made other arrangements but that was just the start of it. She launched a fucking nightmarish boundary dispute on us. We won in the end and they moved but it was terrible.

I promised myself that the end of it all I'd do a Daily Mail Sadface feature about neighbours from hell that you don't expect to be cunts because they're not the stereotypical Shameless lot but really posh and outwardly respectable.

But at the end of it all I just wanted to forget it.

I still swivel like a meerkat whenever I hear a certain type of booming, posh 60-ish woman's voice or spy a 60-ish blonde woman in a bright jacket and fake fur hat.

Anyway, thanks for the update OP - I knew the builders would be round - and the chance for some more free therapy for me

Loving this thread!

I love a good confrontation though, OP! Why don't I get these entitled fuckers that everyone else seems to encounter?

Amusing thread op.

I feel very sorry for you..

Trim your Bush back yourself, you don't want them weeping into it, in error.

I can't quite believe the ndns thought you would be perfectly happy for the builders to use your electricity. When we were doing a lot of diy with power tools, our smart meter was permanently red for hours. It's not a question of a few pence.

OP my understanding has always been that they're allowed to trim anything that's overhanging into their property but you're not allowed to damage the plant.

It's not even the electricity it's the inconvenience, no one wants people around their house....that's why your bastard ndns cleared off for a few days!

I wouldn't let them sacrifice your plants, and would possibly even threaten them with legal action if they go ahead. I know that sounds OTT, but they sounds like liberty-takers, and if you don't persuade them you're serious now, they're going to keep on taking. ESPECIALLY as they never mentioned this to you but left it to the builders. By all means cut whatever is overhanging the boundary (as you should) but nothing more.

cheeky twats!

Have you and the other neighbour talked about what you will do if the builders knock asking to refill their flasks/go to the loo?

I'm crying now howtorebuild
Please tell me they are not weeping into your newly trimmed bush

I've already decided I would say no. It's just me and DD here, maybe i'm being overly cautious but I don't feel comfortable inviting strange men into my house. Have advised other neighbour not to either and she said she wouldn't. They may well be lovely but they are strangers and she is an elderly lady on her own. There is a supermarket and a coffee shop just down the road so they will have to wee in NDN's garden or use the facilities there.

I don't get it. Why can't they just push your plants on to your side of the boundary and erect the fence? They shouldn't have to dig up your plants. Not at all.

What Collaborate says. It has always worked for us

Unless the fence was in such a state of disrepair that the plants had replaced it, in which case you just need to snip those bits off.

Ivy just grows back anyway.

Trust the fence posts will be on the neighbour's side?