Asbestos Garage - Buyers chasing me for removal costs

johnson293

Thanks for the latest replies.

I haven't posted the letter yet, was going to at lunchtime today but the queues were huge.

I will revisit it before sending, and may use the term 'without prejudice' as well.

Cheers

Milliewilly

Now he is aware the structure is unsafe he is obliged to make it safe and prevent it form getting any worse if he is going down the legal route.

I personally would shell out for a couple of solicitors letters to put an end to this and then take him to small claims for the costs.

zfrl

Milliewilly wrote: »

I personally would shell out for a couple of solicitors letters to put an end to this and then take him to small claims for the costs.

Might be worth adding if he doesn't go away and you have to consult a solicitor to put an end to the matter you will be charging him for it!

Catblue

johnson293 wrote: »

Thanks for the latest replies.

I haven't posted the letter yet, was going to at lunchtime today but the queues were huge.

I will revisit it before sending, and may use the term 'without prejudice' as well.

Cheers

If you can edit it beforehand, then sign off with "I now consider this matter to be closed and will not enter into further correspondence. Please do not contact me again".

sunshinetours

johnson293 wrote: »

Thanks for the latest replies.

I haven't posted the letter yet, was going to at lunchtime today but the queues were huge.

I will revisit it before sending, and may use the term 'without prejudice' as well.

Cheers

No point in adding that as you are not offering anything, are you? My understanding is that you only add these words when making an offer you don't later want brought into any court proceedings

Soot2006

I think a simple letter: I do not accept liability, please stop harassing me, this matter is closed ... Goodbye!
Not that he's going to leave you alone whatever you write. Nutjob. Maybe in his country vendors retain some liability?

JQ.

I think Soot2006's approach is best. Do not try to explain anything to him or enter into any form of dialogue, it is not your position to tell him what is right and wrong - you'll only trip yourself up.

johnson293

sunshinetours wrote: »

No point in adding that as you are not offering anything, are you? My understanding is that you only add these words when making an offer you don't later want brought into any court proceedings

Aye, thanks - just been reading up on what 'Without Prejudice' means, and it isn't needed in this case.

John_Pierpoint

Before you get to court you can ask for a statement of his claim.
Court is meant to be the last resort not the first resort.

I had a problem like this (but not asbestos) and I insisted on writing back directly to the claimant not his solicitor. So I could get my word in ahead of the solicitor who was ripping off his client.
What nationality are we talking about?
Do you think it might in reality be "the little woman" who is winding up you purchaser as well as a solicitor who is milking the situation?

The great secret is to remain calm and rational and treat the whole thing as a game - which is what it is.

John.

PS
I did have some broken asbestos panels to get rid of in Kent about 8 years ago.
Canterbury Council's "waste transfer station" had a skip with a top & doors by itself in the far corner and the punter could dump their old asbestos in there. (Probably made more sense than clearing up the fly tipping in the local lanes).

It is the blue and brown stuff that is nasty and generally used in plumbing applications as it is water resistant.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asbestos

Kent, the first filtered cigarette on the market, used crocidolite asbestos in its "Micronite" filter from 1952 to 1956.

The "perfect" combination.

timmyt

the state and condition was his problem, that is UK law. have your lawyer write the letter.