Kids walking on wall

Prenderb

Lately, there've been kids walking on the wall at the back of my garden - this wall spans about 30 houses, 15 each side, if you can see what I mean? They've not been doing any harm, yet, and I can't see what I could do other than give out at them, but maybe that'll just attract their scorn and general boldness! Any of you knowledgeables have any advice for me? It's making us uncomfortable, even though they're not doing anything "wrong" other than just being kids walking on wall.

Thanks

Pren

PS Edit: I found it hard to categorise this - any suggestions or movement of thread graciously accepted.

Wurly

Hmm, OP.

I gotta say, I don't really see the issue with what you've described.

If they aren't doing any harm, then just leave them.

If they act the sh*t, then say something maybe.

But if you confront them when they aren't doing anything wrong, this may turn them into sh*ts if you know what I mean.

listermint

Long term solution. Plant some ivy. Kids dont like plants eewww:D

towel401

Prenderb wrote: »

Lately, there've been kids walking on the wall at the back of my garden - this wall spans about 30 houses, 15 each side, if you can see what I mean? They've not been doing any harm, yet, and I can't see what I could do other than give out at them, but maybe that'll just attract their scorn and general boldness! Any of you knowledgeables have any advice for me? It's making us uncomfortable, even though they're not doing anything "wrong" other than just being kids walking on wall.

Thanks

Pren

PS Edit: I found it hard to categorise this - any suggestions or movement of thread graciously accepted.

i really don't see what the problem is

Toots

listermint wrote: »

Long term solution. Plant some ivy. Kids dont like plants eewww:D

Good idea. Or some pyracantha (sp) it's got thorns. I don't really see the huge problem with it, although I'd say it's annoying though. Only thing that might be an issue is if one of them fell off the wall (I'd imagine it's about 6-7ft high?) and into your garden. Would you be liable for any injuries they sustained in the fall? As you suspect, I reckon saying anything to them would be a bad idea.

Wile E. Coyote

If they are doing no harm then just ignore them. It's only when you start giving out to them that they'll turn into little sh*ts. Once they get a reaction they'll continue it just to for the fun of seeing you get worked up and then they'll be there every evening.

DublinDilbert

Prenderb wrote: »

Lately, there've been kids walking on the wall at the back of my garden - this wall spans about 30 houses, 15 each side, if you can see what I mean? They've not been doing any harm, yet, and I can't see what I could do other than give out at them, but maybe that'll just attract their scorn and general boldness! Any of you knowledgeables have any advice for me? It's making us uncomfortable, even though they're not doing anything "wrong" other than just being kids walking on wall.

Thanks

Pren

PS Edit: I found it hard to categorise this - any suggestions or movement of thread graciously accepted.

Talk to them, be really chatty, kids hate that....

Also remind them that you saw some "back to school" stuff in dunnes the other day

girl2

I think this could be something youre just going to have to ride out. If you chase them, you'll be sure to wind them up. The risk is however that one of them could fall and break their neck?? Then flippin claim off you! I dont know what to advise, if it were me, I would just quietly hope they go away eventually.

Sorry!

Sprouts

Why not have a chat with some of the other neighbors and change the top of the wall to a shape too difficult to walk on. One line of bricks all the way down wouldn't be too expensive and a lot quicker than waiting for the ivy to grow.

MagicMarker

Sprouts wrote: »

Why not have a chat with some of the other neighbors and change the top of the wall to a shape too difficult to walk on. One line of bricks all the way down wouldn't be too expensive and a lot quicker than waiting for the ivy to grow.

What!?

Just leave them alone! They're not doing anything wrong, just being kids. Christ almighty.

Victor

Moved from Personal Issues.

---

Its trespass at a minimum and may lead to worse. If the kids can do this willy nilly, whats to stop someone else?

Make the top of the wall too narrow for them to walk on. Potentially, put some cement mortar on top such that each side slopes down 45 degrees.

Dont be at yourself

They're just kids, leave them be. They're hurting nobody, so what's the problem?

Confronting them over something like this will likely only antagonise them.

The_Conductor

NekkidBibleMan wrote: »

They're just kids, leave them be. They're hurting nobody, so what's the problem?

Confronting them over something like this will likely only antagonise them.

The problem is what happens when one of them falls off the wall and breaks their arm. You'll have a solicitor at your door before you know whats happened...... Unfortunately we are a litigious country. For the OPs sake- he needs to get them off the wall, before anything happens.

In the past accidents happened. There is no such thing as an accident anymore though- someone always has to be blamed........

DarkJager

smccarrick wrote: »

The problem is what happens when one of them falls off the wall and breaks their arm. You'll have a solicitor at your door before you know whats happened...... Unfortunately we are a litigious country. For the OPs sake- he needs to get them off the wall, before anything happens.

In the past accidents happened. There is no such thing as an accident anymore though- someone always has to be blamed........

How can there be any claim against a homeowner for the stupidity of a child? If they choose to walk along a wall,fall off and break their arm/leg, then that's tough sh1t really isn't it? The homeowner isn't a babysitter for them.

Victor

DarkJager wrote: »

How can there be any claim against a homeowner for the stupidity of a child? If they choose to walk along a wall,fall off and break their arm/leg, then that's tough sh1t really isn't it? The homeowner isn't a babysitter for them.

But the homeowner tolerated a dangerous activity on their property on an ongoing basis - hey they even sought advice on the internet about the issue.

Dont be at yourself

There's no court in the country that would hold the houseowner liable if a neighbour's kid fell off their wall. What's more, only a tiny number of parents would even consider litigation.

This is not America. Judge Judy is not representative of the people of Ireland, or its laws.

DarkJager

Victor wrote: »

But the homeowner tolerated a dangerous activity on their property on an ongoing basis - hey they even sought advice on the internet about the issue.

I don't see how the blame for such an accident can be placed on the homeowner. Surely when you're at home, you have better things to be doing than checking the back garden every 5 minutes for kids on the wall?

Bluetonic

There is obviously a privacy and a security issue at hand here for the OP.

Skim some concrete on the top of the wall, cover in broken glass.

CJhaughey

Bluetonic wrote: »

There is obviously a privacy and a security issue at hand here for the OP.

Skim some concrete on the top of the wall, cover in broken glass.

This is illegal, don't do it.

DarkJager

CJhaughey wrote: »

This is illegal, don't do it.

Why not? Its his property and nobody (i.e people) should have any business going near the wall anyway, if they get injured its their own fault.

sweetie

I would say a lot of the people who have no problem with this are not homeowners! This issue affects your privacy, security and peace of mind. Imagine if you had someone coming upto the window of your apartment constantly (the boundary) and looking in at you. My last place, the kids were feckers but by being nice and chatty and non threatening they learned to accept me and eventually ignore me! Could you speak to the parents and express your concern for their safety without mentioning the litigious side of things?

seahorse

Bluetonic wrote: »

There is obviously a privacy and a security issue at hand here for the OP.

Skim some concrete on the top of the wall, cover in broken glass.

This is a ridiculous suggestion. It is highly dangerous and illegal for just that reason. Whatever about the OP having to worry about someone calling the solicitor if one of the kids fell, they could be bloody sure of it if one of them ripped themselves to bits on illegally affixed shards of ragged glass.

mikemac

I’ve seen signs about “anti-climb” paint.

It isn’t slippery but it destroys their clothes if they come in contact with it.

Bluetonic

Can someone point out where it outlines that is illegal to put broken glass on your own property?

Thanks in advance.

What are people going to be proclaiming next, barbed wire is illegal? A fence with a spiky top?

seahorse

Bluetonic wrote: »

Can someone point out where it outlines that is illegal to put broken glass on your own property?

I can assure you it is entirely illegal. If you want to confirm this just call your local police station.

Honest to God, reading the internet has really opened my eyes to how little some Irish people have to complain about in their lives. I cant even wrap my mind around the idea of someone being distressed to the point of having to post about a few kids walking on a wall!

Victor

seahorse wrote: »

I can assure you it is entirely illegal.

And whats your opinion of barbed wire?

I cant even wrap my mind around the idea of someone being distressed to the point of having to post about a few kids walking on a wall!

OK, what if the kids were on the roof?

zAbbo

towel401 wrote: »

i really don't see what the problem is

If they fall off the wall, the OP is liable.

Explain to the childrens parents that you'd prefer if they didn't walk on your wall, as there may be an 'unfortunate accident'

seahorse

Victor wrote: »

And whats your opinion of barbed wire?

I dont have an opinion on barbed wire, not a legally based one anyway, but I'm sure the guards could advise on that point also.

Victor wrote: »

OK, what if the kids were on the roof?

If the kids were on the roof, again, I would refer that to the guards. Very handy folks those guards!

Deadeyes

I always thought that deterrents were ok but traps illegal. Regardless of that having one house in thirty with broken glass or barbed wire is going to look off and unsightly for the owner. Plus it doesn't stop the kids standing on the neighbours wall, which still means they're still going to be looking in at you.
If you can put up with it for a while I'm sure the kids will grow out of it. Perhaps you could talk to your neighbours to see how they feel and do some research on Occupier's Liability, maybe even contact the council I'm sure loads of kids have fallen of walls that are their responsibility.

Bluetonic

seahorse wrote: »

I can assure you it is entirely illegal. If you want to confirm this just call your local police station.

I just rang and they said there is no legal policy in the state on it.

The_Conductor

seahorse wrote: »

I dont have an opinion on barbed wire, not a legally based one anyway, but I'm sure the guards could advise on that point also.



If the kids were on the roof, again, I would refer that to the guards. Very handy folks those guards!

Those handy guards will inform you that its entirely a civil matter.......

seahorse

Bluetonic wrote: »

I just rang and they said there is no legal policy in the state on it.

Then ring your solicitor, because that's not what my neighbour was told - she was told by the guards to remove it as it was illegal to affix anything to your property that was designed to cause bodily harm.

I just dont get why people are so uptight on this issue. I'd hardly even call it an issue - did none of you walk on walls when you were kids???

There are far worse things kids could be doing, maybe some of you should head down to the kips of this city and take a look. After you've seen enough of that the sight of kids innocently walking along walls would cheer you up!

DublinDilbert

smccarrick wrote: »

Those handy guards will inform you that its entirely a civil matter.......

Exactly... from when i studied law in college I seem to remember if its deemed to be a "trap" its illegal...

A "trap" would be something that's not clear and obvious from the ground.... hence barbed wire would not be deemed as a "trap", but glass on top of a wall would be...

Jo King

Look at the case of McNamara v ESB [1975] 1 I.R.
If a kid falls off the wall the parents will sue the householder. If the householder has public liability insurance the house insurers will deal with the claim. Most likely some sort of offer will be made by the insurance company.

Bluetonic

seahorse wrote: »

Then ring your solicitor, because that's not what my neighbour was told - she was told by the guards to remove it as it was illegal to affix anything to your property that was designed to cause bodily harm.

I may have missed a few delete post but why would I want to ring my solicitor?

the_syco

Victor wrote: »

Make the top of the wall too narrow for them to walk on. Potentially, put some cement mortar on top such that each side slopes down 45 degrees.

Agreed. If the kids fall due to a dodgy brick, you're liable. If the kid can't walk over it, they usually won't try.

NekkidBibleMan wrote: »

There's no court in the country that would hold the houseowner liable if a neighbour's kid fell off their wall. What's more, only a tiny number of parents would even consider litigation.

Actually, it's always been the case, since the 80's.

The glass on the wall: if the kid cuts his hand/head/etc on it, well, you put it there to maim, didn't you?

Wile E. Coyote

Those handy guards will inform you that its entirely a civil matter.......

I think you'll find that if thry're on your property those 'handy guards' will treat it as trespassing!

I just rang and they said there is no legal policy in the state on it.

Regardless of whether it's illeagal or not it's a stupid idea that could still land you with a claim.

They're kids. Ignore them and they'll soon find something better to do. As seahorse asked, did none of you ever walk on walls or get into mischief when you were young?

SimpleSam06

DarkJager wrote: »

Why not? Its his property and nobody (i.e people) should have any business going near the wall anyway, if they get injured its their own fault.

Is it his property though? A wall like that might be council property or owned by a management company if he's unfortunate enough to be living in such an estate. In which case kids falling off and injuring themselves would be able to hold the council liable.

I had a similar problem in the estate I live, kids from the areas out the back were using the garden wall as a shortcut to get onto the main road. The main issue I had with this was that they would occasionally stop to bean the back door with a couple of rocks while they were at it. I made representations to the council, and after a lot of arguing they agreed to affix a lovely ten foot high steel railing to the top of the wall. Combined with a few calls to the guards, the problem went away.

seahorse wrote: »

it was illegal to affix anything to your property that was designed to cause bodily harm.

Well that nips my molotov launcher in the bud.

Prenderb

Hmm. It's quite divided, isn't it? About 50% leave alone, 50% cause physical damage....

To those that can't understand why it's an issue....well, this wall overlooks peoples back garden, kitchen window and bedroom windows - that's primarily why it's an issue. But also, the fear of them falling into my garden with a broken ankle or something.

I've not gone down the road of immediately expecting these kids to jump into a garden and wreak havoc - I'm not prejudging them. I'm sure they're good kids, doing what kids do, but I don't want them bleeding on my back garden!

January

If they child falls into your garden and hurts themselves you can be damn sure they will be able to claim off your insurance policy or sue you because they fell while they were on your property.

astrofool

You could also counter sue them for trespassing.

Victor

seahorse wrote: »

I just dont get why people are so uptight on this issue. I'd hardly even call it an issue - did none of you walk on walls when you were kids???

Not in people's back gardens, no.

Anyway, I stuck to hedges.

The_Conductor

seahorse wrote: »

I just dont get why people are so uptight on this issue. I'd hardly even call it an issue - did none of you walk on walls when you were kids???

Broken collar bone from falling from a wall on Inis Mean. What I was trying to prove walking along the rickity stone wall is a bit beyond me......

Yes- most of us fell off walls, stood on rusty nails, got cut on glass, hit with blunt objects and lots more. Kids these days- and more to the point their parents, do not expect any of these things to happen- and if something does- automatically blame someone...... There is no such thing as an "accident" anymore.

This is why farmers don't want walkers across their land- because oddly enough a big field with a sign on the gate "Beware of Bull" does not stop people from hopping into the field- and leaving the gate open........

People have no responsibility for their own actions anymore- the American blame culture took root rather too well here........

seahorse

Well, we certainly have become a more litigious nation smccarrick, I'm not denying that, but I don’t think the vast majority of parents would consider trying to sue in that situation, and even if they did, who would they sue? It is a communal wall acting as a divider between thirty houses, so I can’t see the law coming down on the side of a child’s parents, should they have fallen off a wall into somebody's garden; I think it's more likely the homeowner would be able to claim compensation for any bedding plants that got flattened in the fall! - but I don’t know the legalities of this and I don’t pretend to; if the OP is really concerned about the possibility of being sued they can always check the legal implications out with their solicitor.

Also, you said that "parents do not expect any of these things to happen". Well, all I can say to that is any parent who expects to get their child to eighteen without a few trips to Temple Street is a fukin eejit who's clueless on the issue of childrearing and has a few shocks coming their way.

The_Conductor

seahorse wrote: »

Well, we certainly have become a more litigious nation smccarrick, I'm not denying that, but I don’t think the vast majority of parents would consider trying to sue in that situation

I really think you'd be very surprised. I've seen a case where a woman tried to climb over an 8 foot gate at 9AM on a Sunday morning to get into a Pick-Your-Own fruit farm, got caught ontop of the gate until the farm opened at 12 and sued. The insurance company settled instead of going to court, and jacked up the Fruit Farm's public liability premia. They promptly closed. People will sue at the drop of a hat.

seahorse wrote: »

and even if they did, who would they sue? It is a communal wall acting as a divider between thirty houses, so I can’t see the law coming down on the side of a child’s parents, should they have fallen off a wall into somebody's garden; I think it's more likely the homeowner would be able to claim compensation for any bedding plants that got flattened in the fall! - but I don’t know the legalities of this and I don’t pretend to; if the OP is really concerned about the possibility of being sued they can always check the legal implications out with their solicitor.

The Communal wall dividing 30 houses is still the property of the individual houseowners, and the duty of care is theirs under the law.

seahorse wrote: »

Also, you said that "parents do not expect any of these things to happen". Well, all I can say to that is any parent who expects to get their child to eighteen without a few trips to Temple Street is a fukin eejit who's clueless on the issue of childrearing and has a few shocks coming their way.

I agree with you. Kids will be kids. Unfortunately the proportion of fukin eejits bringing them up has increased exponentially lately........

seahorse

I posted a response to you yesterday smccarrick but I see it hasn’t been delivered; feckin computer must be actin up again. I guess we'll have to agree to disagree - all I can say is, if I saw a trail of kids walking along my wall, if I said anything at all I'd most likely stick my head out the window and shout 'bleedin mind yerselves, will ya'!

I just don’t get the mindset that thinks otherwise. It's probably because I'm a mother myself, and part of it also is probably because I'm from a background that's seen much MUCH worse from kids, but I just don’t see wall-walking as any sort of big deal.

Victor

seahorse wrote: »

'bleedin mind yerselves, will ya'!

Cue a half dozen 8 year olds falling off wall through neighbour's glass house.

matiz

A block of apartments was built about 8 ago behind my house. The developers raised the level of the footpaths in the complex, so the local kids were hopping up onto my kitchen's flat roof and jumping off. After much complaining from me, the management company put up railings around my back wall, but left a gap so the kids can still get onto my flat roof.

They're also swinging out of the railings and I'm afraid they'll pull them down on top of themselves.

Would I be to blame if there was an accident, as I asked the management company to do something about the problem?

:mad:

faceman

matiz wrote: »

A block of apartments was built about 8 ago behind my house. The developers raised the level of the footpaths in the complex, so the local kids were hopping up onto my kitchen's flat roof and jumping off. After much complaining from me, the management company put up railings around my back wall, but left a gap so the kids can still get onto my flat roof.

They're also swinging out of the railings and I'm afraid they'll pull them down on top of themselves.

Would I be to blame if there was an accident, as I asked the management company to do something about the problem?

:mad:

You have a bit more room to follow up on your issue as the management company is a limited company and they are responsible for the grounds of the appartment complex. If the kids are on the railings and fall, then im pretty sure (although i obviously havent seen the place) the management company would be liable. I would get back onto them about fixing the gap too.

Victor's suggestion of making an upside V with the mortar on the top of the wall is a good idea. its not illegal and i doubt the kids would take a chance.

matiz

Thanks, I think I'll give the management company a shout to see if they can fix the gap. I'll also highlight the fact that they're swinging out of the railings. Dunno why I didn't think of it before! Doh! :rolleyes:

Greaney

Can I just say, I totally understand how annoying children walking on ones wall can be because a) when the folk who live in the house feel it's a problem, trust me, it's not once in a blue moon, and it's not kids who are friendly with the household usually

and b) it was a bit problem with some children in our area who did not live on the estate I live in. My poor neighbours would be eating dinner, and these kids would just sit on the wall and look at them. They teased the dogs in the garden, they took stuff.... the list goes on.

Also, if the children fall into your garden there is the issue of litigation. I know one parent who threatened to sue a householder for a wee fall their child had in a garden they had neither permission nor invitation to play in.

For those who don't know what the problem is, it's obvious you've never experienced it,

Only answers to it have already been given

Get super friendly and chatty (on no account loose the cool) and get to know them, they'll bog off or think your weird (both good outcomes).

Grow stuff up the wall to make it awkward and/or put capping on the wall so they can't walk on it.

It's a pain in the bum to put up with and my heart goes out to you.