A neighborly dispute over a number of shared goals was settled after two couples raised huge legal fees in court.

The gates that give access to the Bradley’s and Heslin’s Formby homes resulted in a battle in the High Court that was even deemed unnecessary by the judge who oversaw them.

Now the Bradleys – who say they feel “no alternative” to leading an expensive lawsuit – are demanding victory and feel “validated” by their success.

Martin and Rosemary Bradley, both doctors, have argued for years over the use of the gates they share with Peter and Marianne Heslin.

The Bradleys, who have lived on Freshfield Road since 1986, wanted to keep the gate closed at all times to better secure their home.

However, this was viewed as a “serious inconvenience” and “obstruction” by the Heslins, who moved into the bungalow next door in 2006.

Gate war! The High Court is fighting over whether to open or close the gates on Freshfield Road in Formby to cost two families thousands of pounds in legal costs

They complained that every time they tried to enter or leave their home, they had to stop their car and open the gate.

According to the judge, Mr. Justice Norris, the battle was brought to trial in August 2012 when Mr. Heslin “simply opened the north gate and refused to allow the Bradleys to close”.

Prior to the ruling, the Heslins told ECHO that the legal fees had already cost them £ 50,000 – although they had originally offered to pay a far lower sum for electric gates that would have solved the problem.

Despite their best efforts, Judge Norris ruled in favor of the Bradleys and asked the Heslins to pay a “substantial portion” of their costs at a hearing on Monday.

In a statement issued on their behalf, the Bradleys said, “We are extremely pleased with the judgment and the arrangement that the Heslins bear a significant portion of our costs.

In his ruling, the High Court Judge, Mr Justice Norris, stated that we own both the gates and the goalposts and are authorized to open and close the gates for any purpose related to the fair enjoyment of our property (provided the Heslins are not materially affected) rights). Our neighbors, the Heslins, were not allowed to open the north gate and refuse us to use our gates for more than 18 months.

“We tried several times to resolve the matter without going into such a lengthy process, but ultimately felt that we had no choice but to take a judicial decision.

“The past few years have been tough, but we feel completely validated and relieved that this is over.”

Judge Norris had previously revealed his frustration with the case, lamenting that judges cannot force “really unwilling” neighbors to compromise.

He said: “This anchoring of positions is an unfortunate feature of neighbor disputes. The law expects neighbors to behave appropriately towards one another.

“The court cannot write a rulebook about what can or cannot be done in each case.”

Ms. Heslin, 67, told ECHO: “I am really desperate. We feel completely abandoned by the law. It was all completely pointless. Originally we only wanted electric gates. It was an uphill battle. “

Commenting on her husband’s health since the argument began, she said, “Peter really suffered from his irregular heartbeat and blood pressure. It only happened because of that stress. “

The Heslins are considering moving if they can sell the property and are waiting to see the final amount they will have to pay.

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