WE are both in our 80s and stay in a semi.

Next door, who have not spoken to us since they moved in about 14 years ago, planted leylandii in their back garden along the boundary fence. This is now about 8ft and hanging into our garden.

Along their bottom fence are conifers about 11ft, blocking the view from our sitting room and cutting down light into our garden from the streetlight at night.

What can be done?

The High Hedges (Scotland) Act came into force in April. The hedge you describe should qualify, and you can, so long as you have tried and failed to resolve the matter directly with the neighbour, apply to the council for a "High Hedge Notice".

The planning authority then gives the hedge owner the opportunity to object to the application, and will decide whether any action is required, such as reducing height and/or thinning out. If work is required the neighbour must carry it out, or the council will do it and charge the neighbour.

This is not a simple area of law, so I suggest you speak informally to council officials first.

I BOUGHT an HD TV. Almost immediately it was wonky. I phoned the manufacturer and was given the address of a repair shop, who were unable to fix it. The manufacturers now claim the repair shop is not authorised by them. The machine was purchased over the internet. I am so fed up I would prefer to get a refund. What are my rights?

If the TV is unrepairable, you're entitled to a refund. Get a written report on the defect from the repair shop, send the manufacturers a copy saying you insist on your rights under the Sale and Supply of Goods Act, and demand reimbursement within 14 days. If they don't pay, you sue.

My husband and I separated five years ago because of his adultery. I have a separation document which states he is responsible for all divorce costs and a court action of divorce will be raised after a reasonable time. Neither of us would be entitled to legal aid and he says he cannot afford to pay the £700 required. Is there any way round this or am I stuck with this until my son is 16 so my ex can save money by doing a quickie divorce?

You can't force him to raise the divorce action, and you obviously know that as you have a son under 16 you can't use the simplified procedure (a quickie divorce). I suggest you raise the divorce action and claim the costs against your husband. He's already signed a binding document agreeing to pay.

I HAD a window smashed and I know it was by boys who live opposite me. I reported it to the police and told them about previous incidents but they say unless I see who has done it, they cannot take any action.

The officers are correct. The courts will only convict for vandalism if there is credible, reliable and corroborated evidence.