Do I have to get my fence fixed?

[DetailMouse]

One panel completely gone. It's behind the shed so I can't see the gap from the house and not currently using the garden, but there is now easy access between my garden and next door. I will get it done but I'm not treating it as priority at a time when fencers are hard to come by.

The neighbours have small children and dogs though...

Well it’s actually their responsibility to contain their dogs and kids

Depends on whether you want their dogs in
your garden. I would just get it done, one fence panel won't take long to do, and one less thing to worry about.

If you don't mind their dog and kids in your garden then that's fine!
Yes it's their responsibility to contain them but it's your fence.

There is now to state that you have to have a fence. However for the sake of neighbourly relations I would replace when you can

Costs thirty odd quid for a fence panel. You don’t need a fencer. Just replace it, it’s not a big job.

@Chestofdraws

Costs thirty odd quid for a fence panel. You don’t need a fencer. Just replace it, it’s not a big job.

Yes except its not a standard size panel or indeed a standard panel and the post probably needs replacing too. Also have you tried to buy a fence panel this week?

Um well you didn’t say it was non standard and no one said It should be done this week

to just keep the dog out = chicken wire.

but really, that's the dog owner's job to keep their pet insidd their property

There is no legal obligation to fence your property at all so you don't have too. If the neighbours want you to because of their dogs they can of course take steps to secure their garden by erecting their own fence inside yours. If they approach you and costs is the issue you could suggest that you are happy if they want to replace it like for like but you can't at present.

If they want a fence they can build their own. Most of the houses by me are double fenced and it makes them a lot stronger.
If they rely on your fence and its not a priority for you I would leave it until you're in a position to fix it. If it's really bothering them they could offer to pay/help put up.

For the poster who said its just 30 quid for a panel, often when a fence comes down it's the post that's the issue which is a hell of a job to dig out, replace and reconcrete. Even if its "just" the panel you still need money to buy a new panel, a big enough car to transport it, appropriate tools, two people to do the job, a time when they are both free and the weather is dry....!

We just booked someone to replace ours, they're booking for May!

Unless it's hazardous in its current state, sort it when you're ready.

If you aren't going to replace it or block access in some way, please tell them rather than leaving them to notice only when their dog/children disappear.

No you don't. I think it would be right to let your neighbour know though.

can you put chicken wire across the gap between the rest of the fence and the shed to keep kids / dogs out? and then fix it at your leisure.

Could you fasten some of this across temporarily?

I think you should take reasonable efforts if it’s your fence, presumably you don’t want the dog/ kid in your garden all the time? Also bear in mind that if anyone gets through the fence and injures themselves in your garden then you could be liable. I don’t think anyone is saying that it must be done tomorrow but it should be possible to make a temporary repair yourself while you wait for the full job to be done.