Can the council put a bus stop on my ground?

Question

Help! Two men from the council turned up about half an hour ago and asked me to move my car, as they were going to put a bus shelter in front of my (privately owned) parking space! The bus shelter was on the back of the truck, ready to go. This was the first idea i had that they were going to do this. This is already a bus stop in front of my neighbours house, so its not a new stop. The problem i have is that it says on my title deeds that i have a right of access to the piece of ground, granted to me by my neighbours. Also another title deed plan shows the section as communal to my neighbour and i. Surely this means that either the neighbours or both of us own that piece of ground? And the council have no right to put a bus stop on it without permission?
I refused to let the council workmen do anything, and they threaten to call the police. I explained that i'd be happy to talk to the police, as really, i'd just like the time to check this with my neighbour and maybe my solicitor (who aren't open on a sunday). The workman did not phone the police, but went off to do another job, he says he's coming back later. Any advice please?
Kate

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

This stinks. A council worker at work on a Sunday doing routine contract work not an emergency call out?
More chance of finding an MP not on the fiddle. 
My guess is you have managed to defer two con men.

quackingdonkey · Answer

Regardless of the law, they certainly shouldn't have done this without a lot of advance warning. Get witnesses, if possible your neighbours since they will be around all weekend, and block the space until Monday. Also if you block it with your car, take a lot of photos of the bodywork, wing mirrors etc in case the workmen damage it.

I'm assuming you're in the UK, is that right?

On Monday, ring the council (street repair or public transport departments) and complain. If they refuse to stop the work immediately, you need political help. Contact your local councillor (the one elected by your ward), and your Member of Parliament. Also complain to the Local Government Ombudsman about the lack of notice.

You will probably still need a lawyer though, unless the council admits its mistake and freely agrees to put the bus stop somewhere else. I am not a lawyer so can't say what your access rights really are.

? · Answer

Do not do what you are being asked to by your local authority. You should have at least been consulted and the fact that this work is being done on a sunday is more than a coiencedence I think. 

When/if the men return, call the police or just don't move your vehicle......

Seek advice from either your local C.A.B office or local soliciter. 

The reason they have not done anything yet is probably because this is unofficial but relising your not a push over they have had to think again. 

Well Done.

The Wail of a Banshee · Answer

You will need to contact highways and byways in the morning ,however why are there two deeds ,I think you will find that right of access is just that and not that you own the piece of land.

lazybones · Answer

You did the right thing; good for you! If they come back say the same thing, they have no right to block your access and since you have it in writing, the ball is firmly in your court.

Anonymous · Answer

you need a lawyer to review your possible actions.
many attorneys do pro bono work (free)
if they come back, ask to see the work order, and get as many friends/co-wokers as you can to be witnesses to what you say to the people when they do come back

matthew b · Answer

tell them to bugger off

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Can the council put a bus stop on my ground?

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