Cheshire Independent Issue 219

17 OCTOBER 2026 Visit our website: www.independentnewspapers.co.uk • No more moss or lichen • Maintenance free • Choice of colour (suit all homes) • Hassle-free installations • Improve domestic efficiency • Fully guaranteed IMPROVE AROOF THERMALLY EFFICIENT • ENERGY SAVING • WATERPROOF CALL NOW FOR YOUR FREE NO OBLIGATION SURVEY 01625 879787 0800 046 9686 or simply click www.improvearoof.co.uk & request a free roof survey 25% DISCOUNT FOR INDEPENDENT READERS T r u s t I m p r o v e A R o o f ’ s y e a r s o f e x p e r i e n c e t o p r o v i d e : Independent HOMES & GARDEN SHOWER curtains can make or break your bathroom design. The material, print, and length all come into consideration, but have you thought about the height you’re hanging them at? Think of your shower curtain ideas like you would the window treatments in your living room or bedroom – hang- ing them from ceiling height to floor level makes a room look larger and more elevated, and the same applies if you want to make your stylish shower curtains look more custom and luxurious. It’s the designer secret we should all be using in our own bathrooms, and it’s an easy, affordable swap. Too often, shower curtains are viewed as purely practical features, with a bit of thought given to the col- our or pattern. But it’s a design feature that should be just as considered as the wall colour or the tiles you introduce. A full-length shower curtain running from the ceiling is a great way to make a small bathroom look bigger. There are a couple of installation options here to create a seamless finish. Where possible, choose a curtain track that mounts directly on the ceiling, as FOR many people, their gar- den serves as a sanctuary – a space where they can unwind and enjoy the warm weather. However, this calmness can be shattered if you discover that someone has deliberately chopped down one of your trees. This was precisely what hap- pened to one homeowner, who described returning from work one day only to discover that their neighbour had seemingly leaned over their shared garden fence to hack down half of their tree, leaving it completely stripped on one side. “I have come back from work today to find my neighbour has absolutely ravaged my tree line whilst I was out,” the homeowner posted on Reddit, alongside a pho- tograph of the damaged tree. The tree appeared to have been sliced straight down the middle vertically, leaving it entirely bare on one side. The homeowner further revealed that they had previously reached an understanding with the neigh- bour in question to ‘sort out’ the tree, which had been encroaching into the neighbour’s garden. However, they clarified they hadn’t yet addressed it as they’d only recently moved into the prop- erty a few weeks earlier, and said ‘things had been hectic’. “So to my surprise today as I walk into my garden I see a mangled mess of some trees that I was really quite attached to,” the Reddit user said. They went on to seek guidance on their legal rights, adding: “I understand the basic rules in terms of the fact that my neigh- bour has over-reached onto my boundary, which means it could be argued this is criminal damage and trespass, but I haven’t a clue at what my next steps are.” Should your neighbour cut down a tree that sits entirely within your property without your consent, they may have committed crimi- nal damage under the Criminal Damage Act 1971, as well as civil trespass. It is worth noting, however, that a neighbour is within their rights to trim any overhanging branches that encroach onto their property, provided they do not cross the boundary line. Should you discover that your neighbour has unlawfully felled your tree, you’re entitled to report the matter to police for criminal damage and pursue financial com- pensation for the loss and decrease in your property’s value through civil courts. When the damage is valued below £5,000, it can be dealt with by a magistrates’ court. Neverthe- less, you’ll require photographs, witness statements, or a profes- sional surveyor’s evaluation con- firming the tree stood entirely on your land and the cost of the loss. Should the tree have been pro- tected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or situated within a Conservation Area, illegally cut- ting it down constitutes a distinct criminal offence prosecuted by the local council, attracting sub- stantial fines – irrespective of who owned the tree. You’re not required to seek permission from your neighbour prior to trimming the overhang- ing branches, unless you require access to their property to carry out the work. It’s also acceptable to climb into the tree to complete the work, pro- vided it doesn’t necessitate enter- ing the neighbour’s garden or land. After branches are removed they must be offered back to the tree’s owner. Should the owner decline them, you’ll be responsible for disposing of the cuttings – and you cannot simply toss them over the boundary into your neigh- bour’s garden! Should your neighbour take issue with the tree’s appearance following your removal of the over- hanging branches, they have no legal grounds for complaint. However, to maintain positive relations with those living next door, it might be worthwhile exploring compromise solutions, such as splitting the expense of hiring a tree surgeon to achieve a more balanced canopy. Legal rights if your neighbour chops down your garden tree Going full length in the bathroom it creates a hidden fixture with no vis- ible attachments. If a ceiling track isn’t possible in your bathroom, you can still create a chic floor-to-ceiling shower curtain look with a regular wall-to-wall cur- tain pole. Tension rods are ideal if you need something easy to adjust or if you’re renting – just make sure you choose a design that can withstand the damp conditions.