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A GRANDAD claims he would struggle to sell his property because a bumbling neighbour ruined his garden.

Steve Hann, 69, said it's not safe for his two grandkids to play out the back of his Laddingford, Kent, home after it started to sink into next-door's pond.

Steve Hann has been living with an unsafe garden for the last two years
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Steve Hann has been living with an unsafe garden for the last two yearsCredit: SWNS
The 69-year-old's patio is now not levelled out and cracked
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The 69-year-old's patio is now not levelled out and crackedCredit: SWNS
Steve's neighbours' pond
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Steve's neighbours' pondCredit: SWNS
The grass has since grown over the crack but is still posing a threat to Steve's grandkids
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The grass has since grown over the crack but is still posing a threat to Steve's grandkidsCredit: SWNS

The former cop had no issues with the overgrown water feature for nearly a decade, but in 2022 his neighbour attempted to tackle it.

But whilst he removed the vegetation and drained the water in a helpful bid, Steve's new patio began to show signs of cracking which spread through the grass and up towards his bungalow.

He told : "Over one weekend, my garden began to tilt towards the pond.

"My neighbour immediately admitted responsibility and we began the process of getting his insurer - the NFU - to put matters right."

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But Steve said for the last two years, there has been "delay after delay" with zero work being carried out.

The pond is dug into clay and is approximately 35m long and 14m wide.

Steve added: "Since then, my daughter and her two children, aged six and three, have moved back in with us. We can’t let them play in the garden - it’s too dangerous."

Mr Hann’s neighbour was contacted, but didn’t wish to comment.

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An NFU Mutual spokesman said: “Before undertaking any property repairs, we must agree an approach and scope of works with the property owner.

“With more complex claims, insurers may need to undertake a number of surveys and other measures in order to agree an approach before work on the damage begins.

“We have previously explained to Mr Hann that we are working to progress the complex repairs, but we have apologised for not providing him the consistent level of communication we would expect during this time.”

What are my rights?

ACCORDING to Citizens Advice, there are a few steps you can take to squash any neighbour disputes peacefully.

If accidentally there’s action you can take.

You can:

  • Submit a claim to your insurance company. If you don’t have insurance or the insurance company decides that the damage isn't covered by the policy, you can ask your neighbour to pay for the repairs
  • Ask your neighbour to pay for the repairs. If they refuse to pay you can take them to court for damages due to negligence. You’ll only be successful if you can prove that your neighbour didn’t take reasonable care to prevent the accident happening.

If you’re thinking of taking court action you should consult an experienced adviser.

You can get help from an adviser at your local .

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