Builders taken over garden - Advice

gatzi · 13 Mar 2011 at 12:29

Hi guys

1 month ago a builder approached our door and asked if they could errect some scaffolding in our garden to re-tile a building where our garden is the only access. We agreed they could have access to put up the scaffolding. They have done this once before to fix guttering on the same property and didn't even ask us. We came home that time to find scaffolding in our garden.

This time around we have this problem:
http://img858.imageshack.us/img858/5513/sam1094.jpg
http://img860.imageshack.us/img860/1630/sam1099.jpg

They have filled the garden with the waste and even filled our flower bed which was only landscaped last year and new plants added.

They have even broken our bench (admittedly mega old anyway

) This has been going on for a month.

Advice on what to do please?

Deadbeat · 13 Mar 2011 at 12:29

Have you tried talking to them?

neil3k · 13 Mar 2011 at 12:31

ring the polis

shifty_uk · 13 Mar 2011 at 12:31

Speak to them? Tell them where to go? Try and recover some costs? Speak to the neighbour?

Or, you could just ask the internet!

gatzi · 13 Mar 2011 at 12:32

Builders only there when we are at work, building is a community property also closed

SideWinder · 13 Mar 2011 at 12:32

Ring them from work.

...or at least leave a letter!

gatzi · 13 Mar 2011 at 12:36

Would we get in trouble by hiding all thier tools?

Juggy1985 · 13 Mar 2011 at 12:37

They are taking the mick big time, not only erecting a dodgey old scaffold but leaving all the hardcore/rubbish just piled up, they shouldnt leave any crap in your garden what so ever. Just speak to them, tell them to get rid of the rubbish as you dont want it in your garden, if there funny about it just ring the police (not 999, just your local police station) and ask for advice.

ojrules · 13 Mar 2011 at 12:42

tell them to gtfo, and give you some payment for the complete lack of respect shown to your garden?

cm1179 · 13 Mar 2011 at 12:47

woah

i would take lots of photos and make a list of dates and damaged caused and then take this information to a solictor. they're making your garden unusable.

Beans on toast Dave · 13 Mar 2011 at 12:47

take down the scaffolding and tell them to do one?

Cleeecooo · 13 Mar 2011 at 12:51

You gave them permission to use your garden so i think it would only be reasonable for you to tell them that you are unhappy about the work before going to the police. If they damaged/broke anything then you can claim compensation. Is the land that they are littering on yours or the community's? If it's yours, they have no right to do that sort of damage.

Maximum Triceratops · 13 Mar 2011 at 12:53

Tell em their taking the **** and give them an hour to remove everything, if they havent cleared out then remove it all yourself or call the Police.

Fourstar · 13 Mar 2011 at 12:53

Did you sign any agreements on access? Anything specifically agreed on verbally? The land is owned by you?

Quite frankly I'd be reading them the riot act.

I would give them until end of business Friday to remove all of their waste and make suitable arrangements to repair any damage or I would withdraw all permission to access my land.

Assuming they had not complied I would be up that scaffolding on Saturday morning and remove the planking.

Try to locate the property owner and let them know as they will have more influence on the builders.

You say this has been going on for a month? Did it start with a small amount of waste and grow over time? If so I'd hazard not nipping in the bud just led them to being lazy and dumping more.

Police won't be interested unless you get in an altercation with the builders. You could talk to the CAB.

benneh · 13 Mar 2011 at 13:03

Just... Talk to them?.

gatzi · 13 Mar 2011 at 13:09

Some good advice guys

Spoken to the property owner and he's gonna have a word, will take note of all damages

I'm all for giving them until a set date to clen up and then just locking the garden up, see how they get on with half a roof

DM · 13 Mar 2011 at 13:12

You need to have a day off work and speak to whoever is in charge to arrange a completion date and whatever you consider a suitable few quid to put the damage right.

I cant for the life of me understand why anyone is suggesting calling the police, what they going to do?

tigerstyle · 13 Mar 2011 at 13:23

DiamondMark said:
I cant for the life of me understand why anyone is suggesting calling the police, what they going to do?

Isn't it quite simply a good idea to speak to someone face to face who is not only both local but in a position of authority to not only have influence if required but also offer sound level advice? It's not a crime to ask them for help
? It must be a fairly common situation so they will know the score.

It looks like snow in the photos? Tale newer photos!

Maximum Triceratops · 13 Mar 2011 at 13:23

DiamondMark said:
You need to have a day off work and speak to whoever is in charge to arrange a completion date and whatever you consider a suitable few quid to put the damage right.

I cant for the life of me understand why anyone is suggesting calling the police, what they going to do?

If they refuse to move, then surely they can do something, thats why I mentioned the Police.

Dugganator · 13 Mar 2011 at 13:23

DiamondMark said:
You need to have a day off work and speak to whoever is in charge to arrange a completion date and whatever you consider a suitable few quid to put the damage right.

I cant for the life of me understand why anyone is suggesting calling the police, what they going to do?

This. Just speak to your boss at work and show him whats going on and get the day off. It shouldn't take more then a conversation stating that you have been fair and given them access to complete there work. Point out they are taking the **** and you are recording all damage. If its not resolved keep a photo diary up to the point they leave which should be 24 hours after you tell them that your not allowing them access anymore because of damage. Of course get them to remove everything if possible first. But they taking the ****.

Hope it gets resolved soon.