I’m guessing you’d a) prefer not to pay and b) not have a difficult relationship with your neighbour. I’m the circumstances you describe, this seems perfectly reasonable. So here’s what I would suggest (I have a background in solving disputes):
- find out who is responsible for organising things like this. And what the procedure might be, ie. What consultation, between neighbours, what procurement process should take place before the go ahead for any work.this might affect things, but
- it is hard to Imagine your neighbour has acted reasonably in any basis. reasonable would mean:
a) properly consulting/holding a meeting with all neighbours
b) agreeing what, if anything needs doing
c) agreeing on a procurement procedure (getting quotes and so on, discussing same)
d) agreeing when to do the works, who is to pay what, any constraints, limitations as to the extent of the works etc)
in your case, I’m guessing that it would have been beneficial to mend more of the road than just their bit? If so, the cost per metre would probably have been cheaper, something that should have been discussed.
your next step:
with the above in mind, I would be inclined to see what your neighbour ours think and what they knew. Possibly make a joint approach to the neighbours who had the work done and ask them for more information as outlined above. tell them your surprised to receive the bill, and not happy to pay it (don’t tell them you can’t afford it, because that suggests you would pay if you could).
ha I g asked your questions, tell them you’ll go away and think about it. If you think it’s reasonable to pay something, however small, it should be in the basis of a properly considered work plan, base in at least three competitive quotes.
but keep your options open, and gently let your neighbours know that they’ve acted unreasonably, and whatever the outcome now, any future work in common areas of land should be fully discussed.
right is in your side.
if this is helpful, let me know. And also the outcome!