The Garden Fence - help and support in tough times

Popperwell

Must catch up. I hope everyone is well...my garden is on hold(the weather just messed me up so much)and now with Christmas practically here I'll start again in the new year. I'll plant shrubs and bulbs...better late than never.


The floods...the closest I came to them was Saturday in Durham City but generally the day was a good one for me.


My worst time was late afternoon...a door from a Christmas Market used as an exit caused a strong draught in the cathedral and lots of items were being blown away and we(the congregation)were frozen.


Then when I came out the ground was slippy and I was being blown around and it took me all my time not to take a tumble.


I have neighbour trouble again...You are only getting one side so why should you believe me.


A couple of years ago they tried to blame me for blocked drains and damage to a passage that runs along the side of their house. Flooding and sewage etc...Mine is a basic passage that opens onto the garden at one end or to front of the house.

They've apparently, made theirs into something fancier. They worried me to death but I talked with my H Association, they said that my Water Authority deal with drains(not them)and the Water Authority said similar and not to worry as soon there was a problem I contacted all the appropriate services(but you do)The Water Company also said with a shared system the blockage could be from anywhere. There is a bit of an incline and I am kind've at the bottom of the run.

They came into my garden(The neighbours)unknown to me that time and inspected my drain and said they took photo's. They claimed that there were padded pants which I don't use. I've never seen the images nor know if they ever showed them to my H Association or the water company.

Now a couple of years later I am getting notes through the door again telling me of another blockage this time they said wet wipes. I don't use them. That the Water Authority had come out again around 2 weeks ago but again it was sorted and the Water Company did not come and see me or for all I know did not come into my garden.

Today I have come into my home quite happily and to another note from them, now claiming my drain is blocked with lard. She had been in touch with the Water Company and expected that they would come out tonight(they did)but as soon as I got the note I contacted them myself.

The engineer said there is no way they know where its coming from unless they actually see it happening, it could've come from anywhere, its not necessarily lard and my drain isn't that bad to be honest. He's seen much worse. Its a shared system. What he has done tonight he reckons will last OK for at least up to 18mths. Camera, pressure clean. In the meantime I keep being threatened/being blamed(and going on about the cost of repairs etc...)She's going to contact my H Association in the morning(causing me more concern)and going to take on the Water Company. So I'm going to go to the H Association offices in person in the morning. But as I say the Water Company say I have nothing to worry about.

Just when you think all is OK, it flares up again.

Its awful when you are alone, quiet, always been a good neighbour and have never had issues before. So I guess tomorrow will be taken up dealing with this again...And last time so did the H Association. All this before Christmas too.

burtha

Hi , pops your not alone you have us lot , try and stay positive, the water company will send there report and it's not your fault , let her waste her time and energy, try and stay calm and not to worry to much, I know that's easier to say than do ( we had to take our next door to court , joy not !) so know how hard it is , keep a record of what happens,what notes are sent etc, just in case you need them ..
Hugs

Popperwell

In the great scheme of things its unimportant but thanks Burtha **hugs** I did not return just because there was trouble. We all have that or concerns in spadefuls be it with family, financially or health wise.

I tend to keep "Out of the way" of them and my H Association. But the few that I have talked about this with keep saying that I should not be having to. That I also should not be restricting what I do in my home. Not that make loads of noise. I don't want a full blown war breaking out.

Being a horrible night the plan was to have a nice meal, get cosy in bed and listening to some radio. Maybe even think of decorating my Christmas Tree. Instead my meal was late and it was late before everything was sorted out.

I was mentioning this in passing to someone and unfortunately its hearsay but someone else has opinions on those I have trouble with so I have to take that with a pinch of salt and be careful. He did tell me of some incidents unconnected to my issue where he has a business and occasionally he gets a blocked drain and has "Stuff" he has no idea where it comes from(shared drain again)and in the past he has even put a carrier bag over his hand and gone into the drain but he said "Never again!" That's perhaps three streets away and in a different direction.

Tonight I hope to attend a carol service and remember Mum and Dad and if there is enough time drop back into the music club that I go to on a Tuesday night.

I'll be back again soon and hopefully talk of "Nicer" things.

camelot1001

Popperwell, that's awful. Sounds like the drain chap knows what he's talking about and will have a report.

It's horrid having nasty neighbours, we had them at our old house - 2 houses in the middle of nowhere and we had to have the neighbours from the dark side! They took me to court over drainage (said our septic tank drained into theirs which it didn't), caused no end of worry and expense but I'm away from them now. Wouldn't mind but they didn't say anything when DH was alive, waited until 2 weeks after the funeral to get going.

I think you're doing the right thing going to the HA just to let them know who they are dealing with. Good luck and try not to worry.

Nargleblast

Popperwell - hopefully it won't get any worse, but if you keep a file with the notes the neighbours put through your door, plus a record of all conversations/letters from the housing association and water company, then you could be able to report your neighbours to the council and/or the police for harassment. It might not come to that, but you will have the satisfaction of knowing you have hard evidence to back up your case if need be.

There is no chance of playing nicely or having civilised conversations with people like that. I think you have done right so far by reporting such incidents to the relevant authorities and not allowing these creatures to intimidate you, but if they don't pack it in then you have another course of action, i.e. a legal course.

I know some firms of solicitors used to offer an initial half hour consultation free of charge - I would recommend you see if you can get in to see a solicitor just to discuss your situation and the finer details of any laws they are breaking. Then if they stepped beyond the mark you could write to them (a proper letter, not like their scratty notes) quoting the laws they are breaking and what you will do if they don't stop their unacceptable behaviour.

What I have just written might seem over the top to some folk, but little neighbourhood disputes can escalate into big ones, and they have no right to be making your life a misery.

ivyleaf

Aww, Popperwell, so sorry to hear that those idiots are giving you a hard time again ((HUGS))

Softstuff

Sorry to hear that the neighbours are at it again Pops. Just make sure you keep these nonsense notes in case you need to show them to anyone as evidence of harassment. At the end of the day, they sound like the sort of people who always have something to complain about, it's likely that the housing association is already familiar with them anyway. Best to pop in and set your mind at rest though.

Popperwell

They've been quite kind(H Association)depends who comes to see you. If I keep on top of the garden next year I'd enjoy staying where I am. Bedroom Tax stops when I'm 62:papprox 4 years to wait. I may be able to get a smaller property(no garden)but I'd only save on one room. I think I have to pay but they are going to move my garden sacks for me. That will make it tidy.


The house is isn't difficult to manage "once you are on top of it!" They say don't worry and that goes for watching my TV etc...I could tell that they believe me


Feel better for now anyhow. They also told me in future they will come and see me and save me the hassle of going to their offices.

ivyleaf

OH has got our little pre-decorated tree out of the understairs cupboard, so I guess I'll be settling that up on the coffee table later (I've been saying I'll do it "later" since yesterday ).

He seems to have got into the Christmas spirit earlier than usual this year. He's even bought himself some Christmas Socks :eek: and his favourite Lego Christmas decorations are on display.

ginnyknit

Valiantly working my way through a few orders for my selling page and making gifts. I am avoiding the whole tree business till next week I know I have to clean the front window before I put lights up and the net curtain needs a wash so will tackle that tomorrow then its done.

Hubby has requested a big fry up - egg bacon etc for Christmas dinner which suits me, he is only out of bed for an hour or so on Christmas day so am happy to make the meal he wants then I can pootle about for the rest of the day.