Can we prune churchyard trees that are blocking our sunlight?

In the churchyard next door, there are a number of enormous trees that have not been cut back for more than a decade. From 2pm, they block all our sunlight (earlier in the winter when the sun is low). We live by the coast — in a storm, the trees would cause great damage if they were to fall on our property. A neighbour tells us that the pruning would be our responsibility, despite the trees being on church land. Is this correct?Fay Davies
The church has a duty to do what is reasonable in the circumstances to prevent its trees from causing damage to your property. But that duty only arises if the church knows or should know of the risk. You should get a report from an arboriculturist, who can say whether the branches or roots are likely to harm your property, and what steps should be taken to mitigate the risk. You should then write to the church with a copy of the report and ask them to carry out the recommended actions, which may involve a pruning regime or potentially complete removal.
The church is not obliged to prune the trees merely because they block sunlight to your garden, though it is possible that they breach your right to receive light through apertures in your home. On that issue you would need a report from a “right to light” consultant.
It is worth adding that you are entitled to cut overhanging branches back to the boundary. But you should not do that if it might make the tree unstable or cause it to die. And it would make sense to have a conversation with the church before taking matters into your own hands.
Bear in mind that if the trees are subject to a tree preservation order, or are in a conservation area, consent may be required before pruning or felling them.
Finally, if the trees are evergreen or semi-evergreen and are more than two metres high, you may have a right to complain to the council under the high hedges legislation. Your local council’s website will explain the process, but again it would be sensible to have a polite conversation with the church before taking it further.Ed Cracknell, partner, Russell-Cooke, russell-cooke.co.uk
I have a decorative terracotta bust that was knocked to the floor, breaking quite cleanly in half. I’d like to try mending it myself. Do you have any suggestions for a DIY repair?Rafi Latif
If it’s a clean break, I would suggest a clear two-part epoxy resin — Araldite, for example. Be careful not to allow the glue to seep out as it can stain the terracotta. I would not apply it to the very outside of the crack, to allow for any spread as the joints are pressed firm. Superglue may be a little too viscous given the porosity of terracotta.
Alternatively, you could try a product called Milliput, which is also a two-part system, but this is more of a “putty” — in other words, it has much more body to it, so may actually be a bit too thick for the job. It is a good option if there are any losses as it dries rock hard and can then be sculpted, filed or sanded once set. It is also available in a terracotta colour, which should closely match the original.Christopher Halls, director (fine art department), cheffins.co.uk
My neighbour just sold their house, and I saw on the listing’s photos that he had installed three downward solar lights on my fence posts (these are mine as per the title deeds). I had previously complained to him about similar actions, and had to resort to threats of a solicitor for him to remove such items.
I am now in the awkward position of needing to complain about this blatant trespass to the new owners. I think the previous owner has taken advantage of my disabilities (I have ongoing issues with muscular dystrophy). Before doing anything hasty, could I please have some advice? I would like to get off to a decent start with my new neighbour. Graham
It sounds like you have already obtained expert advice on the title position and are certain the fence and the fence posts fall within your ownership. This would be an unusual position, because although the boundary ownership may be clearly stated, ownership of the boundary feature (fence or wall) is often not, or can have changed since the original fence was erected. Past practice can impact upon ownership — for example, any acts of mutual ownership or shared responsibility for maintenance can change the position. So, if you have any doubts, it may be worth obtaining further legal advice.
If the fence and its posts are yours, then the installation of downward solar lights would be a trespass. However, if the lights are not causing you any harm or loss, which I assume they are not if they are downward facing, it is likely to be difficult to take any legal action.
To make a good start with your new neighbours it would be sensible to talk to them in the first instance. You can explain the legal position with the fence. If the solar lights are not bothering you, it may be more important to establish an understanding that your neighbours cannot attach anything else to the fence without your permission.
If you are bothered by the lights, you could ask your neighbours to remove them, or you could grant them a licence to keep them in place. A licence would confirm the lights are only there with your permission, and avoid your neighbour acquiring any rights by virtue of the lights continuing in situ. Ideally, your neighbours would countersign any licence to confirm their agreement and avoid any future disputes.
In general terms, if you can agree the position of the boundary with your new neighbours, it may be sensible to put in place a written boundary agreement that sets out the ownership and maintenance responsibilities, and what either party is entitled to do. This agreement could be registered against the title and would protect you against future changes in ownership. The Land Registry website provides information about boundary agreements (gov.uk).
Resolving this matter without resorting to solicitors’ letters or litigation is the best way to maintain a good relationship with your neighbours, and is more likely to secure the outcome you want.Heather McDonald, senior associate, Farrer & Co, farrer.co.uk
My handbag has seen better days. It is a wonderful quality leather bag from the designer brand Bally, but it is now over 25 years old. I would like to revive it if possible. Can you please recommend some tips?Rupa, London
The first step to bring a vintage leather bag back to its former glory is to repair it. Check for worn stitching, cracked straps, stuck or broken zippers, ripped lining, or cracks. If the damage is minor, you can attempt to repair it yourself using leather repair kits or patches. However, it’s better to consult a professional leather repair service for both minor and major repairs.
Once the bag is repaired, clean it properly. A soft, dry cloth can remove the dust. But for stubborn stains, dip the cloth in a mild soap solution and clean the bag thoroughly, paying attention to crevices.
After cleaning and drying the bag, choose a pH-neutral leather conditioner specifically designed for vintage or aged leather (with no silicone or petroleum). You can use neatsfoot oil, mink oil, or a specialised leather conditioner to revive, nourish and protect the old leather bag.
I highly recommend DucksWax Water Repelling Leather Tonic (daviddyersaddles.co.uk). The formula of this conditioner is 100 per cent natural and free of solvents, animal derivatives, silicon, Teflon, paraffin or bleach. It is great for softening, preserving and reviving the look of old leather. Alternatively, use Simply Leather Protection Conditioner from Scratch Doctor (thescratchdoctor.co.uk), a pH-neutral conditioner which restores the natural look and aroma of vintage leather that fades over time.
Using a lint-free cloth, a small amount of conditioner and circular strokes, apply the conditioner on the bag (with a special focus on handles and corners). If the bag is too old and dry, multiple applications may be needed. But you must wait 24 hours between each application to allow proper absorption. While the goal is to restore the moisture, using excess conditioner will oversaturate the leather.
Once the bag absorbs adequate moisture, wipe off the excess conditioner with a dry microfibre cloth. Leave it to air dry. Once fully dry, gently buff the surface with the cloth to restore the shine. Applying a conditioner once every six months is your best bet to keep the bag protected from dryness and cracking.
The restoration process of the vintage bag is incomplete without proper storage. After stuffing the bag with acid-free paper or bubble wrap to maintain its shape, store it in a cool, dry place.Peter Martinez, fashion stylist and designer, Leather Skin Shop, leatherskinshop.com
How do I clean yellowed pillows?Janine
I recently discovered that a dishwasher tablet in the laundry works amazingly well. I used it with a wool pillow and pillow protector, and dried them on a gorgeous sunny day. Both were like new. Wendy Woollaston, Hereford
Once the pillow is in the washing machine and detergent and softener added, as the water begins to flow, squirt a few shots of bleach into the water filler drawer. Maybe give the item an extra rinse and spin at the end of the cycle. If the pillow is still stained but clean, put it into an inexpensive pillow case and stitch up the edge.Elizabeth, Hoylake
Check the care label, if there is one. Most pillows, including feather pillows, can be given a short machine wash at 30C. I use a biological detergent and include a small amount of Vanish stain remover in the drum. Choose a warm day so they can be dried outside in the sun, leaving a lovely fresh smell. In addition, always use an under-case inside your pillowcase, as this absorbs any perspiration and reduces staining. Meriel Best, North Yorkshire
Make or buy new white cotton covers and stitch firmly at the open end for a snug fit. Alternatively, double dress with pillowcases ensuring the opening of the inner case is at the far end.Rosemary Morton Jack, Oddington
Buy some new ones with protectors, and dispose of the old ones in the soft-furnishing area of your local recycling centre. Mrs Phil Proud, Leicestershire
How do I remove splashes of white paint from my tarmac drive?Catherine, Cockermouth
Send tips and questions to [email protected]. Advice given without responsibility