Hi I wonder if anyone can clear up a query I have.
We have been having trouble with our neighbours, over the last 4 years.Every three months or so she reports usto either the police or the council about some fabricated lie.
The latest was a visit from the police last night.
My neighbours boyfriend demanded he came on to our land to inspect some wiring.We know they have access for maintainance but by prior appointment (she lets herself on to our property and wonders aroundour land),we where just on our way out and refused him, and asked for him to make an appointment, he stormed off making threatening gestures and verbal abuse. Five hours later the police where knock at the door,stating the boyfriend had reported us for refusing him entrance.
My neighbour also says she has ten foot access from the wall of her house over our land. We have the deeds and documents to our house dating back to 1906 and cannot find anything stating this, only 10 foot access at the front of our house where she has to cross to get into her driveway.
I am quite embarrased to say this but my husband was near to tears last night and is suffering with anxiety attacks. We are not elderly people (40's) and our neighbours are in their late 30's.
To top it all she wants to build an extension which she needs to come on to our land to do, all this after 4 years of grief.
We are law abidding people with many many friends in this village ( very few people have ever spoken to my neighbour, and those she does it's usually to compain about something).
I am at my wits end and I am getting to frightened to leave the house ( I have chickens etc, and as she has already poisoned a load of my garden, I am worried my livestock will be next)
Can I report them for harassment or is it classed as bullying ?
Thanks
It's harassment, which needs dealing with immediately. Have you considered getting CCTV for your property? I understand this is costly but it would help get some evidence to show how you are being treated. As far as your livestock are concerned I would suggest keeping a close eye on them. I have chickens and they tend to be able to eat anything, even rat poison (I know this because I poison the rats on my property). The police will be getting fed up your neighbours endless complaints so I'm sure they will be extremely happy to help you get some justice.
These situations are always quite frightful. I really think you could do with some legal advice and should approach a solicitor. If they are calling the police to make complaints, they are just trying to intimidate you and your solicitor should be able to deal with that, as it is no a police matter unless there is a breach of the peace or violence involved. You need in the end to have an agreement as to what each of your rights are, however hard it may be to achieve that.
You really should consult a solicitor and have these 'access rights' looked into. You can then asure your lovely neighbours that if they refuse to adhere to the agreement (which i'm sure will include at least 24hrs notice and an expectation of supervision), Then it will be YOU who will be contacting the police.
Possibly asking about an injunction if they fail to co-operate will help them decide. At the very least it'll send a message that you intend to stand your ground.. Also enquire about liability insurance. If people are performing 'maintinence' whilst on your grounds they should be covered for any damage done to your property/land or yourself should you have to supervise.
Your neighbors are intimidating you; either stand up to them or move. Anything they build on their land must be contained and accessed from their own property, entering yours would be trespass unless you give permission. Involve the police and report the neighbors for disturbing the peace.
Everytime they bother you ring the police - thats a facility you pay for and are entitled to.