Neighbours using my garden path

[The Mach]

There is public access to the six houses however my neighbours continue to use my private steps. It can become quite annoying however I do not want to cause friction by stopping them using the steps. Any suggestions of what to do?

[andy hughes]

You have to decide how much of an inconvenience this is, and on that will depend your course of action you take. It may be that your neighbours are unaware that your stepa are private - I am unaware of the layout here of course - so maybe having a discreet sign made saying 'Private, no right of way' or 'Acess to number -- only) may get the message over. If that doesn't work, you need to catch them using the steps, and have a polite word. If that doesn't work, you may have a potentially legal situation on your hands, but let's hope it doesn't come to that. Good luck

[BenDToy]

How about having a quiet word with one of them, asking their advice because you have seen one o the others (no need to say who!) using the steps and you don't know how to approach them. This may be enough to solve the problem entirely, assuming it is genuinely innocent. If this doesn't work, perhaps you could leave some obstacles there for a while, for example a wheelbarrow. I hope you don't have to resort to anything too hostile!!