Neighbours sue over house price cut

The Harpins' home is worth less than they thought

A couple who claim they were tormented by a neighbour plan to sue him after discovering the dispute may cost them thousands of pounds.

Richard and Fiona Harpin want to sell their home after problems with Terence Griffin, who lives next door to them in Swindon, Wiltshire.

But the couple have been told they are legally obliged to tell would-be buyers about the long-running row with Mr Griffin.

Estate agents say the situation could slice up to £60,000 off the value of their home.

Emotional damage

They plan to sue Mr Griffin, who has two convictions for harassing the family, for potential financial loss and compensation for emotional damage.

Mrs Harpin, 49, said: "He has made our life hell over the years.

"We have not been able to lead a normal life and now we have been told if we try to sell our house we may never get its true value."

Mr Griffin, 52, was first convicted of harassment in 1998 and given a restraining order.

Value lost

Last month he was issued with another restraining order by local magistrates after earlier admitting to harassing the couple.

Mrs Harpin said one surveyor, who was not told about Mr Griffin, valued their home in Goddard Avenue at £250,000.

But another, who was told about the dispute, said the terraced house could lose up to £60,000 of its true worth.

Mr Griffin refused to comment.