Fence problem

[Hyacinth]

Hello Grandma, bit of a bu**er, isn't it?

So,  I'm thinking that, as they've already said that they'll "sort it" you need to go along with the assumption that it is, indeed, their fence (as you and your other neighbours all take responsibility of your left-side fences). So, what would I do, given that you're on reasonable terms with them generally? Reckon I'd drop them a note saying that now all the dreadful winter snow seems to be over, when it was impossible to do anything, and Spring is on its way (blah di blah).....you've done some research for them and can suggest the following list of fence peeps for them to contact (give 3 names, addys, phone no.s + a list of their prices). Suggest that if they didn't want the fence peeps themselves to come to erect new fencing, perhaps their gardener might be capable of doing the work or know someone who will, cash-in-hand - that would be cheaper for them. So start phoning around today!

Keep the emphasis on the fact that it's their fance and write in a friendly, helpful manner, no matter what you actually think. Nothing to be gained out of taking any other stance, I think.

Wouldn't go amiss if you said that you'll be using that path I see a lot,  now, with planting etc. and you've worried it might fall on you or your tender plants; it seems very dangerous and you're concerned...  And keep a copy, natch, of your note.

Sound a plan?

All the v. best, Lishka

[Hyacinth]

[Tulipa]

I am sorry you are having this stress Grandma, maybe once the better weather comes and they want to go out in the garden they will fix it.  The panel nearest the camera looks as though it just slots into the concrete posts, we had those years ago and they blew out regularly but could just be popped back in or were easy to replace, I am not sure the one further down has concrete posts on both sides so will be more difficult.

And looking at the play equipment they have youngsters so hopefully need to keep them inside their garden?  I do hope you get it resolved soon.

T.

[Grandma]

Saddad!  ;) :-* :)

Thanks, Tulipa! Yes, the nearest post is concrete and, had the panel that blew out been sound, putting it back would have been easy. The rest of the posts, however, are wooden ones and are rotten at the bottoms (as are the panels!)

Yes,  they have a lovely little seven-year old and the fact that, through my garden, she would have access to the road worries me - as does the pond.........

As you say, maybe the better weather will see some action. I wouldn't say I was exactly 'stressed' but I do spend a lot of time pottering about outside - (and just sitting by the pond!) -  and I'm just fed up with looking at it.

Thanks, Hyacinth, I've already done some of the things you've suggested. Back in October, when the neighbour said he was going to get the fence replaced, I gave him the business cards of two gardener friends - (always eager for fencing work in winter before 'proper' gardening starts) - but he hasn't approached either for an estimate. 

I will tell him that, when it's breezy, walking down my path is a bit hazardous with the fence swaying about - but I doubt that the mention of 'tender plants' would have any effect. He doesn't 'do' plants!

Like I said, I'm not an habitual moaner and just want a quiet life - so I'll see how things go now spring is almost here.

Thanks to all for your help.

(As an interesting aside, last year their little girl came round to sit with me and watch my tadpoles. After a while I said I had to get on and do some weeding. "What's weeding?" she asked. Says it all, really.)  :) ;)

[raisedbedted]

Two options spring to mind...

1) Ask them if they know anything about dogs as your trying to decide between a Rottweiler and an Alsatian.

2) Enlist the help of a largish friend to start sunbathing in nothing more than a thong in your garden.

Maybe, just maybe they are the kind of people that get upset if they feel they are being told to do something, their pride may stop them doing the fence all the time they think they are being told to do it.  Once they think its their own idea then they may be more likely to get it sorted? (Am not saying that its right but it happens..)

[Ishard]

Saddad  As Grandma says in her earlier post Ishard as a disabled OAP she can't
I'm intrigued to know how (short of breaking it into small pieces and burning them) one is meant to "prevent it falling in the pond" perhaps you should stand and hold all the loose panels in a gale?


Grandma cant what Saddad? In every area there are social services that would arrange for people to come in and help Grandma, especially as she is disabled. If she has under £23000.00 savings/assets the help is free, if not then Grandma should pay for help as we all do.

The fence panel could have been propped up or even taken down before it blew down. Again she could have got help from ss or perhaps her family.

I hope your neighbour takes down the rest of the fence Grandma and errects one that you like but there is no legal requirement for them to do so.

As has been suggested by more than me perhaps you should offer to either pay for half the fence, outright buy another or learn to live with it.

It all starts with talking nicely to your neighbour because you cant force them to do anything.

[Mr Smith]

Looking at the photo in the first post in could not be more easier to repair, all you have to do is slide a fence panel down between the concrete posts which have a recess for the post to fit in, :)

[Ishard]

Thank you Mr Smith my point exactly  ;) :-* :)

[Bill Door]

Ok how about another perspective.  Maybe whilst they have the funds they might not have the time to deal with the fence.  How about asking if they are having difficulties arranging a time for someone to come around and do the fence.  Perhaps suggest that you would not mind "looking" after the fence erectors when they come around to do the job.

I know my problem would be the time required rather than the cost.

Now my suggestion might not be right but it might open the conversation to getting the work done.

This way you make an offer that they might need and they see you want the fence fixed without you coming out and saying so.

Good luck I know what it is like from both sides and they may be feeling the same way as you.

Bill

[Pesky Wabbit]

That assumes the neighbour actually wants a wood panel fence, or any fence at all.

Its his property and he is under no legal obligation to provide one, except in certain circumstances.

He may want to replace it with Leylandii, or any other plant, or a plane wire fence or even a metal security fence.

Its his choice.

Its also not good to assume he is wealthy enough to pay for it all, unless you have access to his bank details. I have a fair income, but its all allocated and have very little disposable income, especially this last year. I couldn't afford to replace a fence just cause the neighbour wants one.

[Grandma]

I'm beginning to wish I hadn't started this thread!

I was only wondering how much longer long I was going to have to look at the damage and I seem to have opened a very large can of worms!  :o

To set the record straight..............

Some of you seem to be under the - (very mistaken!) - impression that:-

a) my neighbours and I are not on friendly terms.
b) we haven't talked about the fence.
c) they don't want a fence.
d) they can't afford to have the necessary work done.
d) they expect me to do the necessary work.

All of the above are absolute rubbish.

I think Chrispy may have hit the nail on the head - they probably haven''t been in the garden since October! I'm out there a lot and haven't seen them outside for months. They're professional people, at work all day, and the only times I've seen them throughout the winter is when they pop round to collect the parcels I've taken in for them!

I'm looking forward to their smart new fence - (all concrete posts and kickboards, I'm told! :)) -  and, as I said earlier, I expect something will be done now the weather is improving. I'll post a pic when I have a pleasanter view from my much-loved garden!  :)

[Mortality]

I'm looking forward to their smart new fence - (all concrete posts and kickboards, I'm told! :)) -  and, as I said earlier, I expect something will be done now the weather is improving. I'll post a pic when I have a pleasanter view from my much-loved garden!  :)

Thats good news  ;D

[1066]

I'll post a pic when I have a pleasanter view from my much-loved garden!  :)

Ooo yes do! And then you can start thinking about what plants you would like to grow along it - a nice clematis maybe. Basically what I'm saying is I can envsiage a few trips to garden centres  ;D  ;D  ;D

[james1]

Do the descent thing repair the fence.......good on yer.... ;)

[SamLouise]

LOL when reading other people's responses to this dilemma, it makes me think I must be quite unreasonable because I would expect my neighbour to fix a broken/missing fence which left my garden 'open' to them.  Grandma has pointed out that her neighbours are more than capable of fixing/replacing it (but appear not to want to do so) She thinks they are financially ok to do so and even have a gardener of their own! Not only this but she's also given them business cards to try and help them along.  Naturally there might be very good reasons as to why it hasn't been done and she's accepting that but for me ... I've had all sorts of silly ideas running through my head as to what I'd do if it were me in this situation, LOL!  And with all due respect, I'm sure that those of you saying the neighbour isn't obliged to do anything so shut up or put up - I don't think that would be your response should you ever be put in the same situation?  :-X :)

Edit:  Grandma, if I lived nearer, I'd come erect fence panels up for you as near to the borderline as possible to solve this problem!