Havoc and destruction

[Shrubrose]

Friends,

Just needed to share. Have come back from a few days away, to find that the local 'farmer'/wide boy, has decimated three of my trees so that he can get a 12 feet wide static caravan up the lane. The trees in no way intruded on the lane and I'm extremely miffed that he did this with no consultation. Not only has he decimated my trees he's also massacred all the hawthorn, ash and beech that skirted the lane. It's a total mess. We 'own' part of the lane that he is at liberty to travel along to get to his abode and if there's any maintenance to do it's our responsibility. He's not known for his diplomacy and because his family once owned all the land around he thinks he can do what he ******* well likes. I'm so angry. What can I do? Obviously cant redeem the damage now but want to put a marker down for future reference.

I'm driven to swear, I really am.

Thanks for listening.

Shrub.

[4pygmies]

Well, that would have my OH straight round there with the chain saw, I'm afraid....and not to destroy his trees...........I think he would cutting the static caravan down to the appropriate size! I have a farmer next door who still thinks he has the right to drive across my garden, use our gate etc. He even sent a treeman into my garden to totally cut down all my beautiful poplars while I was out (with my girls home made tree house in one of them) - all without a by your leave - that was over 12 years ago and now they've regenerated I'm just waiting...........it seems to be typical "landowner" mentality.
If you don't mind falling out with your neighbour you could write a letter to him, or even get a solicitor to do it (although that will cost you an arm or a leg, no doubt). Or mark your boundary with some extremely large boulders..........or p'raps a midnight raid to make a few holes in his caravan to let the rodents in.... ;D

[jean]

With my home insurance I have a legal advice line, might be worth checking if you have the same. Wish I had thought of it a few years ago when I came home to find that a corner of my front garden had been dug up to repair a street light across the road

[nightowl]

As he only has the right to travel across the land to access his own, I think you may find that what he has done constitutes "Criminal Damage", and that you could drop him in big s**t over it.

The same would have applied in 4P's case as well.

Maybe the CAB could help clarify things, they often have retired "legal-eagles" on their teams.

[MamIDdau]

I would suggest the CAB, they have legal advice peeps. I noticed one of our local solicitor firms has a drop in legal advice evening once a week too. Might be worth phoning and asking a solicitor. They can't charge you for asking a question over the phone....

[Deleted]

shrubrose said:

Friends,

Just needed to share. Have come back from a few days away, to find that the local 'farmer'/wide boy, has decimated three of my trees so that he can get a 12 feet wide static caravan up the lane. The trees in no way intruded on the lane and I'm extremely miffed that he did this with no consultation. Not only has he decimated my trees he's also massacred all the hawthorn, ash and beech that skirted the lane. It's a total mess. We 'own' part of the lane that he is at liberty to travel along to get to his abode and if there's any maintenance to do it's our responsibility. He's not known for his diplomacy and because his family once owned all the land around he thinks he can do what he ******* well likes. I'm so angry. What can I do? Obviously cant redeem the damage now but want to put a marker down for future reference.

I'm driven to swear, I really am.

Thanks for listening.

Shrub.

Appalling - check with your local council that he hasn't removed any trees with TPO's (tree preservation orders). If you live in a conservation area the trees, and possibly the hedges are protected. If that isn't the case and you feel that other trees are or maybe under threat in the future ask your local district council to consider putting TPO's on them.

[Shrubrose]

Thanks all for very helpful advice. I was so annoyed I couldn't think of best plan of attack. Sorry to hear that you've had similar experiences 4P and Jl. Now I've calmed down I'll take some legal advice I think.

Thanks again.

Shrub.

[Chuckles]

Just a thought, not sure if anyone else has mentioned this but take some photographs of the damage, also have you any of what it was like before. Could come in handy

[Plocket]

Geez people like that make me so angry. What bloody right has he got to do that to someone else's property? Heaven knows how angry you must be. Talk to the CAB but be prepared for long waits on the phone, and the idea of a local solicitor is good too.

[Deleted]

shrubrose said:

Thanks all for very helpful advice. I was so annoyed I couldn't think of best plan of attack. Sorry to hear that you've had similar experiences 4P and Jl. Now I've calmed down I'll take some legal advice I think.

Thanks again.

Shrub.

Please speak to your local district council too.

[Deleted]

Have a look at this link

www.westlancsdc.gov.uk/trees/index.cfm?ccs=501&cs=291

[Shrubrose]

Rita,

That looks like very useful site which I shall peruse. Thanks for taking the trouble to post it. I did have a 'blast' of sorts with the guy who owns the stable next door to us about it. He often does 'bits and pieces' with Mr B*****d up the lane. So I'm sure my feelings will be made known! However, I am going to check out my rights because I'm pretty sure that something of a similar nature will happen again. Trouble is he's not a very nice character. Can be quite malicious if someone has a go - a bit of damage here or there, no witnesses, that kind of thing. Could tell you a tale but daren't! <enigmaticsmiley>

[Deleted]

I used to be a Parish Councillor and Tree Warden in a small Norfolk village, until we moved to Lincolnshire 7 weeks ago.