neighbours climber

[catwoman]

Is there anything i can do about my neighbours climbing plant? as it is over taking my garden, breaking through the fence and my shed. i did notify them about this a couple of years ago, but they havent done anything about it. I cant manage it myself as it is too big a job. Is there any one-for example, the council-that i can contact about this situation to ask for them to have a word with neighbours about maintaining it as i dont know whether the council would have any authirity in this matter as my neighbours home is priavtaely owned?
Any help would be appreciated please, thank you.

[JRobinson]

as far as I'm aware, you are prefectly within your rights to cut back this climber yourself.
any of it on your side of the boundary is essentially your responsibility, and so cutting it back to the boundary is perfectly legal (it might not do the plant much good, but that's not your concern)
If it were blocking light, then you might have a case, to take it up with the council planning department.
so I would suggest that you cut it back bit by bit yourself, or get a gardener in to take it all back to the boundary.
If you're on speaking terms with the neighbour, then at least tell them first that this is what you intend to do.

for what it's worth, I'm not a layer, but my father-in-law is, and this is what he's done in the past.

[catwoman]

thank you for your reply. My neighbours arent very co-operative, thnaks anyway

[Willy]

if it's in your garden then you can cut it back no problem, I would also chuck the cuttings back over the fence

[marymck]

I think that, legally speaking, you're supposed to put the trimmings back over the fence, as technically they belong to the neighbour.

I think I'd tell them you're going to have it trimmed back to the border and ask if they want the trimmings put over the fence, for their use, or whether they'd prefer you to bin them.

I'd be inclined to put this in writing also.

If you ring the Council and ask to speak to the Nuisances Officer they may be able to help or advise. Obviously I don't know what your personal circumstances are, but some Councils (I don't know about Lewisham) have a handyman/gardening service for older or disabled people. They charge, but it's reasonable, the people are checked out by the Councils, and they dispose of the rubbish. As I say, I don't know if Lewisham do this.

Do you know what the plant is? It's a lot of expense to go to if you've got to hire someone in to do it, only to have it regrow and it seems very unfair of your neighbours.

[catwoman]

Thanks for your replies. One of my other neighbors used to come in and cut it back for me and threw the cuttings back in their garden, as it is classed as stealing if you don't. But they wasn;t happy about that. I think the plant is called a Russian Vine which needs cutting back two of three times a year, so I haven't bothered with it this year. Now it's growing all up their trees, I think i's very unfair that they should put their neighbors through this. I can't afford to have it cut back as it would work out very expensive. It's an eyesaw to look at and foxes have often got trapped in it. I am disabled and cant maintain it myself so I will try and have a word with the council.

Thanks

[Eagle]

Your neighbours do not sound very nice.

I agree with all the above , but maybe if you involve the council they can instruct them to keep it trimmed back to the boundary.

[marymck]

Oh dear catwoman, my heart goes out to you. Russian vine is just awful. It's in the same family as Japanese knotweed and, although I don't believe it cause the same problems below ground as Japanese knotweed does, it's still classed as an invasive species. I think it's not just neighborly to plant it, it's downright anti social.

Sadly, it's also very difficult to kill and really needs chopping down to the ground and stump killer applied.

There's a website called WWW.garden.co.UK that might be able to offer advice. Sorry but I'm on my mobile and can't seem to post a proper link.

Have you any other neighbours who could help you?

[ Post made via Mobile Device ]

[Annie.]

I believe it has the Nick name "A mile a minute vine" terrible stuff, years ago We had it all over the front of my mums house, eventually we had to just cut the whole lot down,
I am sure the rule is you can cut back to your boundary, but have to return the cuttings to the neighbour.
Are there any able bodied men on here who could help you get rid of it? Theres a challenge for you lads! ;0))

[ Post made via Mobile Device ]

[catwoman]

Thanks for everyones messages.
I went round to see my neighbour today and a new tenant has moved in. I spoke to him about the plant, he was very nice and very helpful and has offered to come round and cut it all back for me, which i think was very nice of him and we could do with more neighbours like this to save arguments. So, all is well and good.
Can someone tell me where you get rid of your garden waste please?
Thank you.

[Annie.]

Thats good news Catwoman,its always nice to know there are reasonable people out there.
I think Girton road has the waste facilities you want on certain days, but im sure someone will let you know on here for sure.

[ Post made via Mobile Device ]

[marymck]

That's really good news Catwoman - I'm so pleased, it must be a huge relief to you. Nice to get to know your new neighbour with a positive experience too.

I don't know about the garden waste, I'm afraid.

I know there are places you can drive to, but we can't do that as they don't let vans in.

Can you chop it up small and put it in the wheely bin? Or have a bonfire? (preferably not when your nice neighbour has his laundry out )

[Eagle]

Really Great news
Looks like your new neighbour a different cup of tea.

[hollydolly]

Girton rd car park, Sat & Sun morning until noon I believe. Should be there until autumn...glad you're sorted, I need to have the same conversation with mine!

[catwoman]

Thank you for the information regarding where to dispose of my garden rubbish. @Martmck, I'm not very good with fires and my dust bin mena re like sniffer dogs, they go through the rubbish and sniff out the garden waste and leave it on the side of the road. So thanks again for the information everyone.