Elderly Woman Forced to Sell Her Home Over a £350 Fence Dispute
A 79-year-old widow from Pontyclun, South Wales, UK, has been compelled to sell her home following a lengthy legal battle with her neighbor over a fence valued at just £300 (approximately €350).
Muriel Middle had enjoyed a peaceful life in her home for over 20 years, but her circumstances changed when businessman Alexander Miles removed part of the dividing fence to access a water pipe located on Mrs. Middle’s property.
She replaced the fence, but this led to threats of legal action from her neighbor, who claimed that she had obstructed access and weakened the fence’s structure.
Unable to resolve the dispute amicably, the case went to court. Unfortunately, Mrs. Middle and her daughter could not afford legal representation, while their neighbor had full legal support.
The court ruled in favor of Mr. Miles, declaring him the owner of the fence and ordering Mrs. Middle to pay approximately £15,000 (around €17,500) in legal costs. Due to interest and additional expenses, the total amount has now increased to about £20,000 (approximately €23,500).
With no means to secure a new loan because of her age, Mrs. Middle is selling her home to her daughter to cover the costs.
“This conflict has been emotionally devastating for us,” her daughter said. “My mother has worked all her life, and now she’s being forced to leave her home over a small fence dispute. This should never have happened.”
