5 Ways to Relieve Neighbour Disputes

North Ford Solicitors • 1 June 2021

Most people dream of living in perfect harmony with their neighbours, but that is not always the case. Living close together can mean some unpleasant interactions and it’s not uncommon for even small problems to spin out of control rapidly. If you’re fighting with your neighbours, here are a few ways to resolve things.

1. Build a Fence

They say fences make for good neighbours and they’re not wrong. A fence delineates exactly where one property ends and the other begins. It can hide you from your neighbour’s eyes and it gives you some space to remain separated. If there are issues with building the fence, you may want to bring out a surveyor to ensure the fence is on the property line.

2. Sit Down and Talk

Communication can go a long way when it comes to disagreements. Both parties should meet in a neutral place to sit down and discuss the problems. This only works if they have not threatened you, however. Try arranging a discussion and have each side bring up their reasons for being upset. You may be able to work out a compromise or find a solution that keeps everyone happy.

3. Speak to the Landlord

Is your neighbour renting their home? If so, you can go directly to the landlord should there be any issues. The landlord is responsible for some problems, such as property disputes and the like. Talk to them about how to resolve the problem and you may find it easier than dealing with the actual neighbour who has no power over the situation.

4. Talk to a Mediator

A mediator is an independent person who will come to you and listen to both sides of the story. They are not actually involved in the issues that have arisen, so they can see things clearly and make suggestions on how you may wish to proceed with your neighbour. Mediators may not always solve the problem, but they can be helpful for getting everyone to communicate.

5. Bring in Legal Council

If none of these lesser methods work, you may end up in court with the disputes. If this is the case, you’ll want to hire a solicitor with experience in handling disputes like this. They will help you build a case and show that you have done everything within your power to resolve things. The solicitor can also give you advice on how to help you win the case.

Neighbourly disputes are not uncommon, but they don’t have to end badly. Take steps to settle the issue and if you can’t do it nicely, then you’ll have to take it to the next level, at court.

Need help with your neighbours? Our solicitors are exports at dealing with problems like this. Contact us now for more information.

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Kings Bench Division Grants Injunctive Relief to Applicant in Libel Claim

by North Ford Solicitors • 15 April 2025

North Ford Solicitors successfully represented a Claimant in a High Court libel claim for damages of over £100,000. The case, heard in the Kings Bench Division, resulted in a significant victory for the Claimant, who was awarded a default judgment, injunctive relief, and costs. The Claimant was represented by Salmaan Islam and Alexander Braidwood of North Ford Solicitors, with Dr. Liam Wells from Fraser Chambers acting as Counsel. The background of the case involves defamatory statements made by the Defendant on a Facebook group, alleging that the Claimant had bugged her phone and tracked her location without consent. These allegations were vehemently denied by the Claimant, who maintained that the posts were untrue and had caused serious harm to the Claimant’s reputation. Despite being served with the Claim Form, the Defendant failed to acknowledge service or file a defence, prompting the Claimant to seek summary judgment. In the submissions, the Claimant argued that the Defendant had no real prospect of success in defending the claim and that the defamatory posts had caused significant reputational damage. The court was urged to grant summary judgment to further the overriding objective of the Civil Procedure Rules, which aims to deal with cases justly and efficiently. The court agreed, noting that the Defendant's non-engagement justified proceeding in the Defendant’s absence. The court's decision included granting an injunction requiring Meta to remove the defamatory posts from Facebook and restraining the Defendant from making further defamatory publications. Additionally, the court awarded the costs of the application hearing to the Claimant. The quantum of damages is to be assessed at a future hearing, ensuring that the Claimant receives appropriate compensation for the harm caused by the defamatory statements. This case underscores the importance of addressing defamatory statements swiftly and effectively, particularly in the digital age where such statements can spread rapidly and cause significant harm. North Ford Solicitors remains committed to protecting the reputations of our clients and ensuring that justice is served in cases of defamation. If you feel that you have been the victim of defamation of character, contact North Ford Solicitors for more information on how to proceed with your case.