What would you do.Helping someone sometimes backfires.Advice needed.

[Tawnyowl]

What would you do.I do not usually ask for advice nowadays but could

do with some to calm myself down see things a bit clearer.Then i will act on advice given today if possible and update later.

 

Moved into my newish house about 8 weeks ago.Council.

Absolutely thrilled and honored to have this lovely house.

 

Semi,blocked paved area for car to stand on,easy drive in access.Wonderful.Peace at last.

Wonderful,soon had the garden full of plants.Shed set up to work in.

Quiet area with a lot of elderly people around.A lot of people being cared for.

 

No cars burning,no cars,motorcycles racing through the streets.Very quiet apart from the odd argument around

every now and again.People feeling the pressure as in many towns and cities.

 

5 weeks in a chap who lives opposite who lives with his wife and elderly relative who i believe they care for says to me.

 

Excuse me Mr Owl i wonder if you could do me a favour.

Well perhaps as many on here you think mmmm what is this all about,wonder what he wants.

Says to me,my van has broken down,it is coming back in a hour or two on a trailer and i have nowhere to put it for now.

Just needs a starting motor so could i put it on your beautiful block paved drive.For a few weeks at the most.

 

Well i have had a few hard times in the past so went in for a while and talked with relatives and father in law i help care for.

So after a while i came out moved our own car and said yes ok for a few weeks.Christian thing to do.

By then i had realised they were stuck and needed some help in this situation.

 

A week or two went by nothing really getting done.

Then one morning 1 am my daughter went to our car to get something.

Shot back in woke me up and said think we are being burglared or someone looking around.

 

Well old owl was slightly annoyed so shot out of nest and flew out of door.Rather angry and wondering who was out there.

Someone trying to break in my nest.

Lights from back of van,like someone had a torch,bonnet up and lights hanging off the back of van.

 

It was only mr mechanic and his wife working on the thing at that time.

Said a few words to them and they said oh is it that time we had not realised.

 

Remember what he said about a starter motor.

 

Since then i came home one day one day and sand was everywhere on the drive could not get to my front door

without stepping over and walking over grass instead of paved walkway.Mechanic nowhere in sight.

He had only decided to change the oil and somehow had leaked it everywhere.No carpet down wheels off jacked up and bowl collecting oil.

 

Put up with that,thought to myself well old owl been in construction soon be gone and will clean up and never do a favour again.

 

However mr mechanic i spotted through my front window test driving about 10 meters down the street.2 days ago.

Thought thank god for that will now be gone.

 

Nope van on driveway staight away but best of all huge oil slick in road where i am about 15 meters away.And drips everywhere leading back to my driveway.

 

Staying calm,so stuck my head through my living room window and said i hope you are going to clean all this mess up.

Said to me yes a jetwash it will be fine.I am not that green and know oil especially on block paving will not be that easy to clean.

 

So now imagine you are ten meters away from my front looking back.

Lovely house,but van jacked up,bowl with oil underneath oil everywhere.And cars going up and down the street from oil slick spreading everywhere.On peoples tyres and possibilities of walking oil into houses when dark.

 

Now i am quite capable of taking any action needed what would you do.

I have a soft look,do you think they have taken advantage of me or do you think perhaps they are the thickest people i have ever met.Going perhaps to see the other side of me today which has shocked a few when let out.

I noticed he always cleans his tools carefully after use.

And has the best available and plenty of them.What about my driveway etc.

 

Remember their situation as well.Elderly relative etc.I do not want to disturb at all or upset in any way.

 

But also we are on probation for a year from the council.If they see this or people complain what could happen.

 

My father in law who i helped care for and got fond of has just died this week.So am going through things myself.

What would you do.Any thoughts advice appreciated.

 

Update.

After writing this my thoughts are beginning to say to me.Leave it and wait for the van to go,clean up and never do a favour like this again.

Other option would be to harsh.Do any of you agree with this.

[unclebulgaria67]

They have had use of driveway for long enough and given what has happened, i think i would give them a few days to get it moved. Just say that someone from the council knocked on the door to say there had been a few complaints and the van needs to moved. I.e complaint about oil leak and mess caused, van being parked on another neighbours driveway.

 

They are taking advantage of you. There could be other reasons they wanted to park it away from their house, off the road. It is SORN or not even registered to them. They are hoping to do it up to sell. When they come to sell it, they could be having buyers come to your driveway !

[Tawnyowl]

Thankyou unclebulgaria67

Very well thought of post.

They live in a ground floor flat about 20 meters to my left.

No driveway.But can park public road.

I have just checked on DVLA website.Link.It is Sorned.

https://www.gov.uk/check-vehicle-tax

 

I feel you are right re doing up to sell.So told me lies straight to my face.Which displeases me massively.

Mechanically minded i am not.Really did not know what changing a starting motor entailed.

The thought of buyers coming viewing i had not thought about.

Thanks very much thinking about things but action today i feel.At the moment.Warming up but will be polite.

 

Old owl has been taken advantage of it is becoming clearer now.

I will i feel have words with him quietly.

And in a way you have suggested.3 day warning.Fair i feel.

Which will i feel as he is a mechanic time to get in touch with his contacts and get it MOTd if it isn't and taxed and insured.Which can be done online.And Tax can now be spread out as can insurance if not enough money available.Link for anyone reading this page.

 

Paying vehicle tax by Direct Debit offers you the opportunity to pay for your vehicle tax in 1 of 3 new ways:

 

6 monthly (a one off payment)

Annually ( a one off payment)

Monthly ( total spread over 12 payments annually)

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/vehicle-tax-direct-debit

 

This situation can not go on.It puts us at risk of council action if it was to carry on.

I will update later as i feel the advice given is perfect.If any one else wants to add please do.

[king12345]

Unclebulgaria's idea is good.

Tell them the council had some complaints about the van.

When it's gone they will have to use specialist cleaning products designed to clean oil and grease off paving.

It will need a couple of washes with these products.

Of course they'll have to pay for it.

I used to do favour, now I only do them if they are immediate and conclusive, I.e. cup of sugar.

[Tawnyowl]

I see.So once again cleaning of diesel oil of driveway and paving is no easy task.

See what i mean.He says jetwash.Does he think i am stupid.

Do not answer that.He clearly thinks i am.

 

I will clean things myself because god only know what he would do.

Losing patience rapidly.But must stay calm.

 

I just looked this up.What does anyone think.How to clean oil of pathways etc.

Thermo,nuclear explosion i feel is needed.

 

http://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Oil-Off-a-Driveway

 

 

I like that thought King12345

I used to do favour, now I only do them if they are immediate and conclusive, I.e. cup of sugar.

 

Has anyone else done a favour only for it to backfire on you.

Tell us.

I would be interested.

 

And do not worry about the mechanic i am not going to knock his lights out ,just fix them.

Put them where they should be.Clean them and make them clear.

So the light goes on in his head.Make him realise i am no mug.

 

Going to have breakfast now and talk to the fellow.As soon as he pops his head out and is away from his flat.

Usually appears on a Saturday.

Will update later.

 

And please post tell us if different what you would do.

And tell us if you have done a favour and it BACKFIRED,appropriate i feel.

[unclebulgaria67]

And as you don't know this chap, you don't know whether if he sells the van, whether he might give the impression to a buyer that he lives at your address. Then if the buyer has problems with the van they come knocking on the door.

 

Would not surprise me if this person thought you would not mind your driveway being used to do up and sell vehicles from. The starter motor job is a few hours work for a mechanic.

[Tawnyowl]

Ugh.

Fell of my perch and spat my coffee onto my keyboard after reading that.2nd time this week.

Had never thought of those possibilities.

So many times i believe what people say to me.Never learn a lesson.

Deep thinking.This i suppose goes on.

Well not from here.If he has thought ahead like that it is not going to happen.

But i bet many have been stitched up like a kipper this way.

Thanks again.However i will keep that thought at the back of my mind for the moment.

But a warning for others unclebulgaria67.

 

Uodate.

1046 AM

Mechanic not come out yet. I am waiting.

But have to pop to the gym for a hour.

I do not want to knock on his door.

 

11-47am

Swept up sand dune cleaned and checked what oil there is.A mess.A stream of oil.Blocks covered in the stuff and flags.Even footprints of oil.Oil outside his flat even.Slick in road seems after two days to be sinking in but still travelling.Noticed it is going or some has gone in a drain.

Went to door gave them 3 days to shift it.Hard to keep calm,but did.

Meeting again at 5pm to discuss things further.

Lets see what happens at 5.

 

I know things can be blown out of all proportion.

A small problem in a world of huge issues.

But feel i have been fair.

 

Going outside to do some gardening,enjoy the sunshine.Cut the grass things like that.Perhaps start a Driftwood Owl.

Take my mind of things.

 

I have seen your post SabreSheep below and yes i will say that.Thanks.

[SabreSheep]

Just tell him the council have given you a small time frame to remove the vehicle. And if he doesn't make it go away in 3 days you will have no choice but to start the process to have it removed.

[obiter dictum]

Yes Tawnyowl

 

I moved into my local authority flat last month, like you i am on 12 months probation.

 

The last thing needed are any issues raised with the local authority

 

You know how spiteful some people can be

[Tawnyowl]

Hi obiter dictum nice to hear from you.Yes i am on probation.Do not want any issues at all.

Just want a peaceful quiet life that is all.

Not to much to ask.

And thanks SabreSheep i answered on my last post.Just in case you are not around.

I sometimes wonder if the site team have magic cloaks.

Can become invisible.Like Harry Potter did.

If so i wish i could:-D

Looking for a switch.Searching the rooms of the CAG.

[SabreSheep]

As you are in Local Authority accommodation you may find there are clauses in your tenancy that relate to "Business use" and also "Storing Vehicles that are not road worthy"

[Tawnyowl]

Groan,i feel you may be right.

All tenancy agreements have changed so much.

Modernised.

Pages long but fair as well.

Will have to check my tenancy agreement out.

How many of us just like Mortgage agreements read Council Tenancy agreements through.Word for word.

And can then remember everything.Best to refer back to them often i feel.

But also gives me more ammo to put to the Mechanic if needed.

[determindator]

Tell him you will be putting a caravan on the drive and hope the time he's had on the drive has been helpful:-D Sounds as though they are quite thick skinned so this is a more congenial answer to difuse and move on. Once bitten, twice shy and all that. You've done your bit.

 

P.S the thread moved on quick and just seen the local authority answer. You can add the caravan as well:madgrin:

[reallymadwoman]

Would it also be wise to take photos of the van (including reg no) on the drive plus all the mess in case there is any dispute later about who/how the damage was caused? If this 'neighbour' subsequently denied any knowledge of any van belonging to them being on your drive .......

[king12345]

As you wanna know about favours that have backfired, here's one.

I was going on holiday for 6 weeks to see mum and dad and a friend of my wife's family was coming to London (from abroad) for more or less the same time.

He asked if he could stay at my house so I stupidly said yes.

He offered to pay the gas and electricity bill for the period and said he would also give us some rent.

I wasn't bothered about making a profit but he insisted and said that on my return he would give use the money.

So off we go on holiday and when we came back we found that the house had not been looked after at all.

A month worth of dirty dishes, newspapers and takeaway boxes everywhere and cigarette butts in every container you can think of including cups and plant pots.

There was a note from the "friend" explaining that he had to leave early because our neighbour was too noisy.

Because of this he wasn't going to pay any of the promised money.

For those 6 weeks i was billed £130 electricity.

Bare in mind that i usually pay £20 month and I'm always in credit.

The cretin had also left the fridge door open so it was running at full blast 24/7.

P.S. My neighborhood is the quietest you can expect.

Anyway, never again I helped anyone with accommodation.

At best I direct them to a hotel.

When I finally saw this individual a couple of years later, he started shouting at me saying that I conned him (after he stayed in London 6 weeks for free).

I wasn't in England when this encounter took place, so I punched him straight on the nose.

I then kicked him on the ribs a couple of times while he was down.

One of the most satisfying moments of my life.

[ashmk]

Hi Tawny.

 

Put some cat litter on the oil, cheap stuff, Tesco value price. It's great at soaking up oil. After you have got rid of the car you can use a product called OT8 and a pressure washer to remove the stain.

 

It's also worth noting that new blocks are only 38p each in B&Q so you can just switch them out.

[Tawnyowl]

Thank you everyone for your replies.

At exactly 5 pm tonight the mechanic came home.

They looked over but went for their door.

Opened the kitchen window and called him over.Went out my front door and told him once again 3 days.

He said i am waiting for a part from ebay which should arrive tuesday.

I replied well what about MOT and Tax.He went a touch sheepish.

Followed by i will move it then Wednesday to my uncles Garage.Park it there.Can you believe it

 

Now these flats are about 100 meters run ground and first floor.

Could not understand why about 20 spectators came out like it was some kind of show.Leaning over balconies etc.

But who cares.It is done now and i will wait.He seemed genuine and a little taken aback.But i am easily fooled.

I made it quite clear about him saying about the starter motor and being his van.He went quiet.

Also mentioned about complaints and needing the space back.Did not mention the caravan thought but was tempted.

Once again no reply.

As i said i am grateful for all replies.

Life is to short to waste time like this.Especially on such a nice day.Never again.

And please tell us stories about favours you have done and backfired on you.I see one has arrived already.

 

The story is not over yet it has a beginning a middle and who can tell me what they think the end will be.

 

I am hoping the van will move by Wednesday and i will clean up that will do.

If he offers to clean i will accept.

I am not going to force him i can not be bothered.

 

Thanks for your reply reallymadwomen

A really good idea.And good advice for anyone who reads this thread in the future with a similar problem.

 

king12345

Now that was a problem and a favour that backfired.

A interesting story that many will read.

And cost a good few pounds as well as time spent getting things back to normal.

Hope your knuckles did not swell up to much when whacking him.

And did not scuff your shoes or trainers on his ribs.

 

London a place where rents and mortgages are so high and everyone grafting 7 days a week just to live,pay the bills and educate their children.Never mind thoughts of holidays.

Unless you are one of the chosen ones and have neither.Everything paid off.

Well that is what a few Londoners have told me after moving North.

As they sip their Bacardi's while relaxing,enjoying themselves at last.

Having time to spend with children and relatives.And holidays as well.

 

ashmek

Thanks for the tip.

I have just removed the cat from his box.Whipped some cat litter out.

He is not to pleased.Fang he is called for good reason.

And will get some stuff from Band Q when van is shifted.

If i have to buy blocks as well,so be it.

 

Thanks everyone let us see what develops.

7.42pm enough for today i feel

Bye for now

Tawnyowl.

[king12345]

Once a saw a van being pulled out of a driveway using washing up liquid under the wheels, a thick rope and a 4x4.

Not suggesting, just saying...

[Tawnyowl]

Once a saw a van being pulled out of a driveway using washing up liquid under the wheels, a thick rope and a 4x4.

Not suggesting, just saying...

 

Do you know what a idea you have given me.You devil you:lol:

I had better wait till the wheels are back on though.

Otherwise great gauges in the road to go with oil slick.

 

Only joking taking a lighter look at things.

Calmed down now but feel somehow this is not over yet.

As said before the story has a beginning a middle and no end as yet.

Come on tell us what you feel is going to happen by Wednesday or before.Let us see what you think is the end to this story.Now who is that in the corner taking bets.Steady on now.

I can see you huddled together taking wagers.Sheepskins on, hats,smoking your cigars.quite dodgy looking really.

A lighter look at things as said.

And do not forget ,any stories let them out,let the steam out your anger.The frustration the stress you felt.

 

Oh dear i have spotted someone kicking your wall.You are remembering aren't you.

That did not happen did it,well i never,can you believe it.Tell us.

I will have to put a link on so you can.You are knocking on the door that loudly.

Here is the registration page if you are out there in webland.It is free,free i tell you.

Link in a moment.

There you go come on in before the hinges break off and i have another bill.

Registration page.

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/register.php

 

I feel many of you have done favours only for them to backfire and have learned your lesson.

Only thing i never do.

[citizenB]

It makes me very angry when people with good hearts are taken advantage of.

Edited September 27, 2015 by citizenB

[Tawnyowl]

12-47am Sunday

Thanks citizenb i will look into that.But just want a quiet end to it all.But if no choice maybe.

Other option is i will drag it off myself with help from my friends at the gym.Who enjoy such strongman games.

Only joking,i am not a bully.

Just noticed as i have been out for a while wheels are back on again.So slight progress i feel.

Edited September 27, 2015 by citizenB

[citizenB]

Well I hope you find some way of getting him to shift the vehicle !

Edited September 27, 2015 by citizenB

[unclebulgaria67]

It makes me very angry when people with good hearts are taken advantage of.

 

 

 

Was thinking the same !

 

I get the feeling that the chap who has this van is a local well known rogue, hence comment about people watching the exchange between them. I bet he has tried this on with others with driveways. The problem with some flats is that off road parking is not always provided and they look elsewhere.

 

The other possibilty is that if the flats have parking, perhaps other residents told him to remove it, as it was always leaking oil everywhere.

Edited September 27, 2015 by citizenB

[Tawnyowl]

Once again interesting thought out posts and very helpful.Thankyou.

I do not know his history.In fact we did not exchange names.Do not know it now even and do not want to.

Maybe slight Liverpool connection but not 100% certain of this.

Blank looks,blank brains that is how i feel about them at this moment in time.

Just felt we would give them some help.A chance.

I can tell you this the conclusion to this story is slowly arriving of that there is no doubt.

 

As you say unclebulgaria67 most of the flats have off street parking the kind that angles slightly.Just leads from the road.Everyone has a measured marked out space.

Then grass and paths to their doors.Unless on first floor then stairs of course.

Most off the cars are newish.Many on DLA .Mixed in with a good few younger people.

Put in temporary before being moved on.So i was told.But not 100% sure.So hard to remember everything that has been said.Many weeks ago.

[reallymadwoman]

I'd say it's almost certain you've been taken for a ride here. He's been told to move his junk heap away from the flats, and probably not for the first time, so picked on the neighbour least likely to know the history and say no. Tread carefully - it may be the neighbours were waiting for a punch up.