it's sheer insanity.
More (metaphorical) rocks thrown at me. This time over the wall, by my new neighbours. For a long time I heard nothing more about their plans to put up scaffolding on my land to rebuild the boundary barn. I assumed they hadn't had permission from the Planning Office. I was clearly wrong. A few weeks ago I received a letter from their solicitors telling me that I'd better change my mind and allow them access for however long they needed. According to item X paragraph Y I was obliged to do so.
What else was I to do? Much against my inclination I also employed a solicitor, mainly to question the other side's solicitor's statement. My solicitor examined the situation and found that I might have a point, particularly as erecting scaffolding in the narrow corridor between the back of their barn and my house wall would prevent unhindered access from the front to the back of my property, to my bins, the flower bed running alongside, a frequent path for my wheelbarrow; I use that passage countless times during the day, and being a clumsy old woman, not as agile as I once was, I'm bound to walk into the scaffolding and knock myself black and blue.
What else could I do? I paid my solicitor a fair sized advance and she is now looking into a solution. It's not as if I utterly refuse access, of course not; the barn, which has been restyled 'The Lodge' by my bully neighbour, needs repairs. But repairs that take an indefinite time - at least three months and probably more (as I've mentioned before they are turning it not only into a storage facility but also a small holiday house, hence the new designation 'The Lodge') - that's far too much. Anyway, my solicitor says I have a case.
She has also said, that if it goes to court, it may take eighteen months and cost in the region of £15 000.
Help, that is not what I want, and I've told her so. Eighteen months of stress and a large sum which I'll never get back, it would be better if I went away for the duration.
Everything is happening now that I am old and lonely, (sob), with nobody in my corner unless I pay them. I've felt so low at times that I've toyed with the idea of leaving the place where I am still comfortable and where my happy outdoor space still gives me pleasure, and sell up and move to a nearby town. But, and this is the big question, can I let that man drive me from my home? Sooner or later I may have to move somewhere smaller and more conveniently situated, but when I want to and am ready, not because someone else is pushing me.
Like I said, it's insanity, sheer insanity. we are neighbours and should be able to come to a civilised arrangement. If only.
PS: I am having trouble commenting on a number of blogs. Sorry about that, I'll try and sort it out.
