I am thinking of replying with this:
Hi [Client],
Thanks for your message. Sorry for taking a little while to get back to you and leaving you waiting, I wanted to seek advice before continuing.
I want to state from the off that I will be taking this up with the council as there was improper signage outside your property and along the street. The pictures they [workers] have showed you were taken after the incident when they placed a load more signs down. Pre incident there was not enough signage, post incident there was plenty. I have attached two images. Image #1 was taken before the incident, #2 after.
As you can see, there is a marked difference between the two. The stance of the council to avoid liability and to blame me is to be expected, all councils are cash strapped after all and want to avoid unnecessary expenditure. I want to make it clear that I do not accept full liability for this and will be in contact with the council as I feel they are stonewalling you and looking to me as a soft target to pay up. The fact they hastily placed more signs down straight away shows there were clearly not enough.
As my client, I do not want you to have to live with your drive in this state so in the interests of being pragmatic, please could you source a few quotes from reputable companies that you feel will perform a satisfactory job. Dependant on the cost I will either pay in full for it and then chase the council or if the cost is high I will need to involve my insurance company and then chase the council.
Again, I am sorry this has happened.
[Name]
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