Bounds Fence

kingstown

My farm is bounds on 3 sides the 4th being road frontage.
Two neighbour’s are gentlemen, never an issue and we all have the same contractor trim the ditches at the same time, so terrific bounds fence on two sides.
I have my side of the bounds (all the farm) fenced with fence posts and two strands of barbed wire and over the years the ditch trimmed down to form a lovely top and side and it gives me pleasure to see it. Wire visible if you look through the hedging so good fencing all round while looking from my side.
Trouble is the 3rd man.
He doesn’t believe in fencing at all – he tried it 10 or 12 years ago and has the place full of broken twisted steel electric fence wire, broken stakes and the stakes that are still standing have no wire, so didn’t keep it maintained.
The bounds ditch at his side is full of Elder and Hawthorn which his cattle have full access to get in behind and rise on the bounds ditch.

Last evening I walked the worst part of the ditch and was confronted with about 70 sucklers rising on the ditch having a serious look at the grass on my side which I don’t have much of, by the way!
They have reddened about 3 spots and the only thing that’s keeping them out is the barbed wire.
About 4 years ago, I did have an invasion into the same field which was stopped for silage. We got them out ourselves, fenced it and he never came near the place while we were working on it. He never even spoke about it at all.

Now know I should approach the guy, and ask that he address the fence this time once and for all – good fences make good neighbours etc but this man is pretty unstable.
He already has occupied a solicitors office as he was ‘’unhappy’’ with a case that went against him damaged some computers etc and was arrested and spent a week in jail on the occasion. He also went on a hunger strike a few years ago out side a bank for a few weeks over ‘’another issue he was unhappy’’ with. There were numerous other things, so to say the least the guy isn’t very approachable.

How do I proceed ……….and I know some clever boy will say carefully!

Cran

solicitor unfort and loads of patience and show willingness to an agreed approach....
I have a problem with a neighbour who just cleared out part of a joining ditch into my internal fence and when approached went off on one. Solicitors are paid to keep track of all communications and I was told proof of effort and show of reasonable approach to issues goes a long way if it ever comes to a head....

Manoffeeling

Hardship is right. 2 options:

Why not let his cattle break in! Let them do harm and claim from his insurance. His insurance company will then insist that the ditch is fenced right. You insist that the FRS fence it but you will make a contribution out of 'kindness'.

Or you get in a digger and pear back the ditch on your side and put up 4 rows of thorny wire.

What ever you do, don't allow his mental health to cause you hardship. If he needs help, then he should go get it. Not your problem

bbam

I suppose it depends on the extent of the job. If it were possible I'd recommend you'd be better tidy it up yourself and avoid any hastle, this boundary crap can get way out of control. Solicitors are all fine and well with a great paper trail but that's no good if this guy goes off on one and you end up staring down the end of a shotgun. It happens, there are cases in all areas where this stuff gets out of hand and A letter is of little use at that stage.

pakalasa

I'd be inclined to agree with the last post. The guy does sound like he is very unstable. I'd avoid confrontation at all costs. Forget about the solicitor. In country areas, getting a solicitor involved, is inself seen as confrontational. I'd keep my side well fenced and to hell with it. Life is too short.

49801

by the sounds of it you would be as well off just fencing it yourself than the hassle and legal fees you'd end up paying to sort it even though it is his responsibility:mad:.

johngalway

This sounds familiar.

Option 1, quiet life, fence it yourself to a degree you're happy will keep his stock out.

Option 2, solicitor, lots of hassle, lots of money, possible you may not be happy at the end of it all.

I went for option 1.

cow man

quality sheep wire and PDM posts for the worst places will keep them out!!

Farmer Pudsey

Unlessthere is a mile of it I fence it. Get heavy post 4 rows of thorney wire and plant whitethorn in it next winter plenty of it ask him can you put it both side of the fence, keep it trimed for the first two years.

just do it

bbam wrote: »

I suppose it depends on the extent of the job. If it were possible I'd recommend you'd be better tidy it up yourself and avoid any hastle, this boundary crap can get way out of control. Solicitors are all fine and well with a great paper trail but that's no good if this guy goes off on one and you end up staring down the end of a shotgun. It happens, there are cases in all areas where this stuff gets out of hand and A letter is of little use at that stage.

+1

6600

pakalasa wrote: »

I'd be inclined to agree with the last post. The guy does sound like he is very unstable. I'd avoid confrontation at all costs. Forget about the solicitor. In country areas, getting a solicitor involved, is inself seen as confrontational. I'd keep my side well fenced and to hell with it. Life is too short.

Same situation here, every parish has one it seems. Ours has one who would, and does resort to anything, arson, contaminated diesel, you name it. The thing with neighbours is that they are always there. Only thing you can do is have nothing to do with the low life. If something needs to be fixed then do it yourself. He'll only make a dogs dinner of the job anyway.

TMSHope

In relation to boundary issues. I am having an issue with a neighbour. He broke a boundary into our land as we have a river and looking water for cattle. His land is rented. I wasn't shown where it was to be done. Got a phone call looking for permission. I said need to see what was proposed. Then no contact and out walking the other evening and a big gap made into our river. This is very annoying. Any advice.

kingstown

Lads
Thanks for all your replies, it struck me on reading your posts that this type situation is pretty common. It baffles me because I am the type who wouldn’t sleep if I thought I was negligent in any way regarding my property, animals etc. and would expect everyone to do the same.

I would agree with the sentiment of not doing anything which would escalate any tension and just strengthen the fence at my side again. It’s not a huge job but its this Saturday wrote off anyway.

Thanks again for your replies.

49801

kingstown wrote: »

Lads
Thanks for all your replies, it struck me on reading your posts that this type situation is pretty common. It baffles me because I am the type who wouldn’t sleep if I thought I was negligent in any way regarding my property, animals etc. and would expect everyone to do the same.

I would agree with the sentiment of not doing anything which would escalate any tension and just strengthen the fence at my side again. It’s not a huge job but its this Saturday wrote off anyway.

Thanks again for your replies.

Not all people are the same unfortunately:mad:.
I really do think that doing it yourself is the best approach in this situation. You will be out of pocket for the cost of the fencing but it really is better money spent than dealing with your neighbour and the months/yrs of hassle you would have to deal with. I know its totally wrong that it has come to this but I am sure you have better things to be doing than dealing with him. Way better approach to just get the job done and get on with your life...

Muckit

kingstown wrote: »

It’s not a huge job but its this Saturday wrote off anyway.

If you can get it done on a Saturday, you're right, it's not a big job. Things like that are more of 'head melt' than anthing else.

Yes if 'right was right' ....'50/50'....blah blah blah ...... but life unfortunately don't work that way. Your neighbour is never going to think or have the same attitude/morals as you, so don't waste your time or mental energy trying to bring him around.

Get stuck in, get it done, and it will ease your mind. I'm pretty sure its not annoying your neighbour.