BOUNDARY fences are an issue solicitors deal with regularly and the problem of ownership is not always straightforward, according to a mid Cheshire law firm.
The first port of call is usually the deeds but if the deeds are 'silent' then solicitors often have to look back through history.
Malcolm Bowden, senior consultant at Dixon Keogh Solicitors, has dealt with many disputes over boundary fences and hedges.
He said: "Nowhere from the Middle Ages to the present has there ever been a presumption saying that one side or the other is 'yours'.
"That belief is part of legend."
Mr Bowden believes complicated disputes over ownership can be settled amicably.
He said: "All that can be said about boundaries is that they are not easy and there are often no simple answers.
"If you want to be sure, you need to take your deeds along to your solicitor.
"On a good day he or she may be able to give you an on the spot answer, but on a bad day it's going to be 'it all depends'.
"If it is a vague answer - and it may well be - don't take it out on the lawyers - blame it on history.
"Go round next door, invite the neighbours in for a chat and a drink and, who knows, you may be able to sort it out between yourselves.
"If you do, get something in writing and then it is back to the lawyers again."
Fence law can border on the difficult
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