Neighbour complained because ball rolled on his grass

Section62

FtbEmz said:

To be honest, I can’t see why he would complain if it resolves an issue that clearly bugs him. Pretty much every other maisonette on the street has a proper fence up, this would just be a short fence.

Because you are trying to find a solution to a problem which might not exist as you are assuming the ball "clearly bugs him".

Given that up to now "Everyone’s really friendly and welcoming" I would be more inclined to assume that this was a one off and the bloke reacted that way because he was having a bad day or something.

Had he been shouting and complaining to you about every little thing since you moved in my advice would be different.

But as this is a one-off and his demeanour changed immediately he recognised you I would say it would be an over reaction to spend money putting up (unlawful) fence(s) which might have the effect of giving him something to genuinely complain about.


On the other hand, if you've always wanted to put up a fence like the other maisonettes in the street have done then apart from bearing in mind the legalities, go ahead and do it if you want - just don't make this trivial ball incident your justification for doing so because once a dispute with a neighbour starts it can quickly escalate. And if the terms of your lease prohibit fences you will be the one clearly in the wrong.

Life is so much easier when you try to resolve problems by talking first.

And if he is a grumpy old sod, guilt tripping him with an offer of tea and cookies is a great way of finding out.

Be the bigger person, not the bigger bully. (which is what some other posters are advising)

Section62

Martin_the_Unjust said:

Personally I would stare him in the eye while informing him what would occur if he ever shouted at my daughter again.

Out of mild curiosity, what would that be?  And would you mean it?

FtbEmz

Thanks everyone. He’s just come over and apologised. He said he was out of order and reacted without thinking as he’s been under a lot of stress. Apology accepted and just explained to him it was completely accidental and suggested a small fence to which he was agreeable. I can feel less anxious now and let my daughter know that he’s apologised so hopefully she’ll feel a bit better too. 

lookstraightahead

steampowered said:

What a grumpy sod. The entitlement of these people !

Personally I would try to just ignore him. 

The ball is on his land? 

Occasionally no problem but I don't think it's the ideal place to play football.
It's no different from it being the living room. 

Skiddaw1

FtbEmz said:

Thanks everyone. He’s just come over and apologised. He said he was out of order and reacted without thinking as he’s been under a lot of stress. Apology accepted and just explained to him it was completely accidental and suggested a small fence to which he was agreeable. I can feel less anxious now and let my daughter know that he’s apologised so hopefully she’ll feel a bit better too. 

Oh that's good OP. Hopefully, you've found you have another good neighbour after all. Pleased it looks to have resolved itself so easily.

fewcloudy

FtbEmz said:

Thanks everyone. He’s just come over and apologised. He said he was out of order and reacted without thinking as he’s been under a lot of stress. Apology accepted and just explained to him it was completely accidental and suggested a small fence to which he was agreeable. I can feel less anxious now and let my daughter know that he’s apologised so hopefully she’ll feel a bit better too. 

Plot twist...  but it was a minute too late, as you had already followed the crap advice given here at 11:32 today...

FtbEmz

fewcloudy said:

FtbEmz said:

Thanks everyone. He’s just come over and apologised. He said he was out of order and reacted without thinking as he’s been under a lot of stress. Apology accepted and just explained to him it was completely accidental and suggested a small fence to which he was agreeable. I can feel less anxious now and let my daughter know that he’s apologised so hopefully she’ll feel a bit better too. 

Plot twist...  but it was a minute too late, as you had already followed the crap advice given here at 11:32 today...

I hadn’t followed any advice yet as I’m working so haven’t actually seen him myself as he spoke to my husband asking for me but my husband said I was in work so he said to pass the apology onto me.

Jenni_D

FtbEmz said:

fewcloudy said:

FtbEmz said:

Thanks everyone. He’s just come over and apologised. He said he was out of order and reacted without thinking as he’s been under a lot of stress. Apology accepted and just explained to him it was completely accidental and suggested a small fence to which he was agreeable. I can feel less anxious now and let my daughter know that he’s apologised so hopefully she’ll feel a bit better too. 

Plot twist...  but it was a minute too late, as you had already followed the crap advice given here at 11:32 today...

I hadn’t followed any advice yet as I’m working so haven’t actually seen him myself as he spoke to my husband asking for me but my husband said I was in work so he said to pass the apology onto me.

@fewcloudy missed the emoji from his post.  

diggingdude

Martin_the_Unjust said:

Personally I would stare him in the eye while informing him what would occur if he ever shouted at my daughter again.

I’ve learned in life that if you give some people (especially bullies) an inch they will keep taking till you have to put a stop to it.

Love it when people say stuff like this. If you did that to me you would either have the police visiting you or a bump on the nose as I dont like bullies either

Mac_70_

Reading this thread reminded me being about eight or nine, me and my mate's saved up enough for a pack of woodbine (there was five of us). Anyway we where jack the lads smoking these woodbine till our neighbour caught us, he hit all five of us a clip on the ear and took the woodbine . Then proceeded to tell us that we where lucky he wouldn't tell our parents .