What are my options with an abusive neighbour?

[feline473]

I have lived next to the same man for 15 years this August. Since my husband pssed away in May 2001, he has been a pain to live next to. He has sent the RSPCA over at least 3 times about a 'small kitten' (6 weeks old), has sent the Fire brigade round with lights flashing over a contained, montiored incinerator. He has complained to the Environmental Health over the state of our garden, the 'mounds of black rubbish bags' which contained Christmas paper before the council had chance to collect them, smoke nuisance from again controlled supervised fires - which had not caused a smoke nuisance when my husband was alive incidently - and most recently has written to our local branch of Streetpride to complain a friends car had been parked on the grass verge for half an hour to let me reverse my car onto the busy main road. His car was on 'my' grass verge, hadn't damaged the grass, and was in no way blocking any pedestrian traffic. My question is given the history of intimidation, threatening behaviour, abuse of the lawful complaints system and effect on my 3 teenage girls, one with fairly severe anxiety problems, what legal rights do I have to stop this man harrassing me? It is getting to the point where moving home seems to be more and more attractive. Thanks for any advice.

[david1702198]

kick the s h i t e out of him!!!

[mrs_overall]

As I see it, you have four options.
1. Move
2. Give him a taste of his own medicine
3. Ignore him & don't let his actions get to you
4. Try and befriend him

[meglet]

Why don't you write him a friendly letter? Say that you have not meant to offend him but he seems to have a problem with some of your activities, and ask him to approach you, directly rather than contact the authorities in future pointing out that you are prepared to be reasonable?

[lankeela]

Send the boys round. I've got a neighbour like this, I now just scream abuse at him every time he shows his face and he doesn't say anything. He thinks I am a total nutter
and is not sure what I would do. I told him I would send the boys in to sort him out but that he wouldn't see it coming. Not had any more problems from him. Sending friendly letters would not work with this one, fight fire with fire!

[Annlinda]

This man could be accused of harrassment which is treated very seriously by the courts. If you have documentation of his actions go to the police and insist they take action. Your situation is that of a vulnerable family who are being persecuted by a possibly mentally disturbed man. Not to put words into your mouth you could say that your have been put in fear of physical and mental abuse.
Good luck and try not to let it get you down

[emlett]

i like lankeela's suggestion but then if i tried that, then i know i'd be the one being arrested. You could get an injunction but if you try anything like that then legally you have to disclose a neighbour dispute on sale of your property. in my experience the police ar not interested in harassment allegations and will just say it is a civil matter