Right of access terraced property

[Michj90]

We live in a row of cottages 1-9. We are number 9. Mid way in the row is an alley which (back in the day) people took their bins out of. We are the end of the row as such, so we have access over 8,7 and 6 to reach the alley. After us, our garden doesnt go anywhere.

However. Our neighbour at number 8 is telling us we cannot have a lock on our side of the gate as if ‘anything happens’ they need access to our garden. But our garden doesnt lead anywhere? Surely we only have the access over them for use of the alley. For them to enter our gardn doesnt get them anywhere.. except our garden.
My partner put the lock up mainly as we have 2 young children and he owns a company of which the tools are kept in our shed.

AM i wrong thinking it is just for our access over them? Or do they have a right to stroll in & out our garden for no good reason

They have no right of way. You have right of way on the path, and they have right of way up as far as their house. You could legally put a gate up at the start of your property boundary if you wanted to.

Did you ask them what they think would happen that their only option would be to access your garden?

They’re being ridiculous. Double check your deeds to make sure there isn’t some silly access arrangement that your unaware of, then if not, go ahead and get your lock.

Get a lock, give them a random key as the 'spare'.

Nutters!!

Well it gets better... i didnt ask. BUT, they have house cats. Which, when we first moved in they told us the cats jump our fence and cant get back. So they asked if they could come in and get the cat sometimes . We said ok at the time, but since then, even when we are clearly sat in our lounge (which is in view of the gate) they wander in as they please without even knocking to ask!!

Glad im not the only one who finds it all very strange/unecessary! I think theybe made me question myself!

We're in exactly the same position, as we were concerned about the extension at the back of our house which covers the access point WE have to their garden (we have a door that backs immediately against a fence door that is bolted on our side).

We checked and double, triple checked, and we have rights to their garden, but not back. They additionally couldn't build an extension in the same way, unless they put doors in both sides I guess, for us to traipse through!

It came in very handy when it turns out our front door locked us in the first night so we could escape by the back door.

Put something on your side of the fence to be a 'step' for the cats, it doesn't have to be big or noticeable. Then lock the gate and when they complain tell them you will take the lock off when they give you a copy of their legal entitlement to access your garden.

No one can assert that they no right of way without checking the title registers of both houses.

You need to check the title register to see if they have a right of access across your land. Today your garden might be a dead-end, but perhaps in the past there was a route across it.

Offer to put a little ladder up for dcat but they are trespassing if they enter your garden.
And get a sprinkler system.

I’d put a car flap in the gate and lock it. I have a cays lock (easy install, keyed on both sides) which you could install and give them a key if it turns out you do have to give them access.

Nobody on here can give you the answer and if they have they are guessing. You need to check on the land registry to see what it says about the easement.