Our rights.Our neigbours on end of terrace house have blocked public access alley way, we followed their lead.?

[mate]

Our neigbours have an end of terrace house they blocked public access alley way, and made it into their garden about 20 years ago. My father in law brought the property in 2006 and the public access alleyway was blocked for his property. When speaking to the end of terrace house they advised that it had been blocked like this for about 5-7 years, and that it did not effect them as they had no requirement for backally access as they had an entrance on the other side of their garden. They were happy for the access to remain blocked.

My father put a permenant fence up to block the access, this doesn't impede out other neighbour as their access to the alley is further down the side of their houses any way so they can still get around the back. I have then brought the house in 2010 from my father in law.

We have found out today from our neighbour (the end of terrace who has blocked his public access) that the new water meters are to be installed out the back of the house where the public access alleyways were. Our neighbour found this out from the company installing the meters,and he questioned them about what if these areas had been developed into part of properties. The workers advised him if there is any blocked access it would then have to be removed by the owner at their cost. The owner would also have to pay for them to come back and install the water meter, and if this meant others access was blocked, they would have to also pay for this neighbours meter to be installed (meaning I'd have to pay for ours and the end of terrace neighbour) This means that we both have to remove our fences and build complete new fencing across the back of our gardens. And this all needs to be done by monday.

We've had no warning about this, although I suppose the council would be none the wiser that this is blocked. The main reason for this access being blocked was to stop local yobs getting behind the houses. Prior to access being blocked at the back of ours they apparently used to drink their alcopops/cider there. They have also burnt out motorbikes there. And recently used it to gain access to my other neighbours house and rob them blind. Hence why we kept the access blocked. We heard that the council were going to block them off a year or so a go but never happened. Now it sounds like it never will be as the water board will use it all the time to access the meters.

Where do we stand with this? No leg I guess?

[cumhea]

You had better get to work. Monday will be here quick.

Since your fence was illegal in the first place you are right, no leg to stand on.

[ned]

You had better get to work. Monday will be here quick.

Since your fence was illegal in the first place you are right, no leg to stand on.

Instead of building fences you should have called the police.