SUMMER holidays often see Brits flocking to their gardens to soak up the sunshine.
It’s a perfect chance to enjoy outdoor games like football, but what should you do if your child’s ball lands in your neighbour’s garden?
AlamyThe garden is a perfect place to play football[/caption]
AlamyHowever, things can take a turn if you kick the ball into your neighbour’s garden[/caption]
If your ball lands in your neighbour’s garden, you are not allowed to simply hop over the fence and retrieve it.
First, you need to ask your neighbour to return the ball to your child.
However, should they refuse, there is a process you can follow.
According to Barrett Homes and West Yorkshire Police, your neighbour is legally required to return the ball back to you – if it landed on their property.
If they fail to do so, this could be regarded as theft.
At this point, Brits are advised to contact the Citizens Advice Bureau to consider their next steps.
Simply retrieving the ball yourself could be considered trespassing, which could land you in big trouble.
The sentence for trespassing can be a huge fine of £2,500 or even four months in prison.
Any damage to your neighbour’s property could make you liable to legal consequences.
If you have a problem with your neighbour repeatedly kicking balls into your garden, consider using a mesh netting to block them.
Though, talking to them about the problem is a much easier first step.
The news comes after supermarkets launched their huge ranges of garden toys for the summer.
Lidl’s range includes a bouncy castle with a basketball hoop for just £49.99.
The product is on sale in the brand’s famous middle aisle, which sells special products for a limited amount of time.
The supermarket is also selling a £6.99 decoration which can give your garden an ethereal glow.
Also located in the middle aisle, Lidl is selling the Livarno Home Solar Light Decoration which comes in a variety of styles.
The designs include butterflies, birds and dragon flies hanging from the ornament.
The lights, intended to brighten up gardens, are described by Lidl as “atmospheric decoration with soft colour-changing light”.
AlamyYou are legally entitled to ask for the ball back[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
