Neighbour ruined our fence...

[Scottishgirl85]

Our neighbour has painted their side of our fence, and it has seeped through to our side... As you can see, it looks ridiculous! This affects about 50foot, but we have about 150foot more of the same fence around other parts of our garden. It's a very open garden so I think we'll need to paint the whole lot. I could cry, we're busy working parents with young children so could really do without this. Do you think neighbour should offer to compensate us? Will be speaking to them tomorrow...

I think what the other neighbor decides is neither here nor there.

id tell them that they’ve vandalized your fence with toxic chemicals and there’s no way in hell that you’ll agree to them applying more toxic chemicals to your side. If they bring up the fence position tell them it’s irrelevant and you’re not interested in discussing it.

Just I have a feeling that they will go ahead and paint your side regardless and then consider the matter resolved. Make sure they are absolutely clear they are not to do this.

www.productreviewlad.com/can-engine-oil-be-used-to-preserve-wooden-fences/

I found this article. I am so angry for you and the environment.

That article looks to be American. Their laws on what hazardous substances can be used will be different to ours. He mentions mixing engine oil with creosote but creosote had been banned in the UK for years now.

Well if it's never coming off, they need to replace the fence!

Does doddery neighbour realise that engine oil NEVER dries? It will always be tacky and will rub black stains onto anything that touches or brushes against it.

Might want to mention that if she has a path next to the fence or her washing line is near it she'll be forever having ruined clothes.

"Engine oil works really well as a long-lasting fence paint. Engine oil may be applied similarly to any other type of paint. This was frequently used as a fence paint prior to the advent of recycling.Used motor oil looks nice and protects wood well, yet it will stink and can be toxic to the environment."

I have a terrible neighbour (just one, others are lovely) -- when I read neighbour threads, my thought patterns are usually "that's bad, X is worse." However, I think I've finally read a thread where your neighbours are X's equal. Wow, just wow, OP.

I am really glad you won't back down. It's all been said upthread. Toxic, smelly, always oily, a total fire hazard with BBQs and a killer for the soil and your lovely plants and any veggies etc.

Your neighbours are outrageous and trying to intimidate you with the boundary line red herring. Just ignore that - any solicitor will tell you they are wasting their time and money. Let them.

I hope you go round to the older neighbour's house with a print-out on engine oil and explain what they are trying to pull.

Good luck! Keep us posted.

Honestly, usually I hate when journalists pick stories off here. For this one, I'd love for your neighbours to read all our comments about them.

Any progress? I would be expecting a full replacement and they can either get a solicitor to review the boundary if they wish or not! Ignore all that. I'd take them to court if they refuse.