I was horrified when my neighbour ripped apart my late husband’s garden

DEAR DEIDRE: RETURNING from visiting my grandchildren lately, I used to be horrified to search out my neighbour had hacked down all of the mature bushes and shrubs my late husband had planted in my backyard.

Now it appears like I can’t calm down in my house any extra.

I’m 62. My husband was a really eager gardener and after his demise 5 years in the past, I didn’t have the center to make use of the backyard a lot and it slowly become a little bit of a wilderness.

He had planted bushes all alongside the fence between us and subsequent door, they usually shot up, however I didn’t suppose anybody minded. I appreciated the privateness as our neighbours have younger children and will be fairly loud.

Once I returned from seeing my household, all of the bushes had gone. It was simply the naked, ugly fence alongside the aspect.

I checked my video doorbell and noticed my neighbour had come into my backyard and attacked the hedges with a chainsaw whereas I used to be away.

He didn’t cease to contemplate my emotions, he simply strolled in.

He should suppose I’m so weak-willed that he can stroll throughout me.

I really feel violated. I’m fearful of confrontation, so I’ve mentioned nothing. Now I’m too fearful to go away the home.

My son says I ought to complain, however I’m nervous it’ll trigger pressure if I do.

My nervousness is thru the roof. With each noise I assume my neighbour is creeping round with the chainsaw.

DEIDRE SAYS: Neighbourly disputes are very anxious. You may really feel you’re “weak-willed” however I perceive why you haven’t confronted your neighbour.

As a girl in her 60s residing alone, you in all probability really feel fairly weak.

You little question imagined you’ll be capable of depend on your neighbours for those who ever wanted them, however as an alternative they invaded your house while you went away.

This may very well be classed as legal harm and trespass. Your neighbour is entitled to chop down overhanging branches on their aspect of the boundary wall, however destroying your mature shrubs and bushes is one other matter.

If you happen to don’t need them to proceed to take benefit, you could take a stand.

Getting authorized recommendation can be a smart first transfer. You will get free recommendation by Residents Recommendation. In your native department, see citizensadvice.org.uk.

I’m additionally sending you my assist pack Nuisance Neighbours, which ought to assist.