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Shoppers go wild for privacy fence on Amazon that’s easy to install, sturdier than bamboo and costs less than £30
WHILE we enjoy getting on with our neighbours, there are times when we don’t want to talk to them.
And the perfect way to tell neighbours to leave you alone while outside in your garden is with a privacy fence.
Now shoppers are praising an Amazon buy that quickly adds some extra privacy to your fence without having to spend thousands on getting the structure replaced.
The Sekey PVC Privacy Screening is essential for covering up gaps in fences.
The fencing panels are reinforced with two additional supports to prevent them from breaking.
The makers also add that they are windproof and made with tightly woven PVC with 1-2 mm spacing.
The small spacing means the panels are spy-proof so no nosy neighbours can look in.
The fences are also waterproof and mildew resistant so no mould will grow on them.
UV rays will also fail to penetrate the sheets, meaning the colouring won’t fade.
They are also super easy to install and the length can be adjusted by folding any excess over and fixing it together with the straps which are included.
The panels come in multiple sizes to fit any garden fence or balcony screening and come in various colours.
The best part is that the fencing cost starts at just £25.99.
Shoppers who have already tried the fence panels have praised how easy it is to install, the sturdiness and look of it.
One person wrote: “Very happy. Bought 3m for the balcony to protect my plants from wind. It was very easy to attach to the rails using the cable ties provided. Seems sturdy so far.”
Another commented: “Exactly as described, good quality sturdy fencing. Purchased more for another section of the garden would highly recommend this product.”
“Better than bamboo,” penned a third.
What are your rights over a fence row?
IT'S very important to know your rights if you are embroiled in a fence row with a neighbour.
How do I know which side I own?
A boundary feature can be a fence, wall, hedge, ditch, piece of wire, or sometimes even just the edge of a driveway.
The only way to know for certain who owns what side and to avoid any neighbour disputes, is to refer to the title plan or Land Registry.
In this, the T mark is used to indicate who the boundary belongs to and therefore who is responsible for its upkeep, say pros at Jacksons Fencing.
Larger developments tend to have some indication provided by the builder, but there are no hard and fast rules
People often think they are responsible for the left (or right) hand boundary wherever they live, but there isn’t any legal basis for this.
You can check with HM Land Registry to see which boundary feature you are responsible for.
Often households can’t get hold of the paperwork but experts say they shouldn’t panic.
Homeowners can guess who owns the fence by checking where the rails are.
Pros say: “The fence is typically facing away from their property so that their neighbour gets the ‘good’ side.
“This is the most secure way of facing fencing so there are no rails for anyone to use to climb into your garden.
“This is then repeated with the neighbour on the other side to ensure that each home has both a ‘good’ and ‘bad’ fence side.”
Walls and fences are often built on the land of the boundary’s owner with the edge of the wall marking the limit.
While professionals agree a glimpse at the fence can give you a hint, it’s not foolproof – so you can’t be certain.
Fines and punishment
It is recommended to always check legal documents before making changes to avoid hefty fines.
There is no law that the neighbour has to get the good side of the fence, so it’s completely up to whoever owns the fence.
Fencing pros have suggested: “It may be worth selecting a double-sided panel with no ‘bad’ side as both sides look the same and rails are concealed within the fence panel.”
If one boundary backs onto a road or footpath you can install the panels with the rails on the inside
But if it’s installed on the outside, it can provide an “easy ladder for burglars to enter your garden”.
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Property Litigation Association have created a mediation service to help neighbours resolve disputes over their property boundaries without resorting to court action.
RICS also provides a list of surveyors who could assist in boundary disputes.
If a dispute continues, it is ultimately a court that makes decisions, but they do not like such disputes being put before them.
Changing a boundary
If you want to change an existing boundary, such as replacing an old fence with a new one, we always recommend discussing with your neighbour first and making sure it is all agreed.
The registered titles can help you to reach an agreement, but only if this information has been added.
In terms of decorations on a fence legal advisers recommended asking around over who actually first installed it.
But they also urged caution before getting to work on amending the fence without getting more certainty yourself – since there is a danger of actually being prosecuted for criminal damage.
How high can a garden fence be?
The height of the fence is measured from your ground level, this can have an impact when, due to slopes in the ground, your garden may be at a higher level than your neighbours‘.
A garden fence can be as high as 100m but you need to get planning permission if it’s over than 2m.
However, there are some complications to this.
If you are thinking about front garden fences, restrictions state that fences alongside a driveway can be a maximum of 1m or 3ft.
You would need to get planning permission for putting a trellis on a fence of 2m.
But, if any plant that you grow on that trellis exceeds 2m, you do not need to obtain a permit for the growing plant.
Meanwhile a fourth said: “Great product, does the job.”
“Looks good and easy to fit,” claimed a fifth.
Someone else added: “Works well to cover areas you do not want to see or for privacy.”
Fabulous will pay for your exclusive stories. Just email: fabulousdigital@the-sun.co.uk and pop EXCLUSIVE in the subject line.
Sam Thompson reveals Soccer Aid appearance is hanging by a thread – and horrifying after-effects of 260 mile bike ride
SAM Thompson has revealed his Soccer Aid appearance is hanging in the balance as he continues to recover from his gruelling charity run.
The I’m A Celeb king, 34, raised more than £1.5m for Unicef by running and biking 260 miles from Stamford Bridge, Chelsea, to Old Trafford, Manchester, where the game will be played at the weekend.
Sam carried the matchday ball in a backpack for the duration of the journey and was joined by famous pals at various points as they tried to motivate him through the pain barrier.
Speaking on Hits Radio today, Sam revealed his battered body is still suffering.
He said: “I am so tired but elated. I’m so glad we got it done…
“Never again [am I getting on a bike] I think I’m prone to saddle issues! After day one I still to this point can’t feel bits of my privates. I’m being deadly serious!
“The bike is a wild thing, Tracey who was with me going up these hills when we were skirting round the edge of Wales, that was mad and you’re just going so slowly and you feel like your bike is going to topple over! I did think to myself this is the first time I’ve ridden a bike in so long…”
Detailing how adapting for one leg issue has aggravated others, Sam continued: “Because I was running in a different way my shin was really inflamed so I couldn’t even run on my tiptoes so I was running side to side.
“I describe it as plugging holes, so like the calf tears so that’s one hole you’ve got to plug so then I run on my tiptoes with my leg straight.
“OK well that then messes up my ankle ligaments because everything is running through your ankle; then your ankle ligament explodes so then you can’t do that… you’re trying to play chess against yourself, whilst trying not to panic because I can’t move my leg and it’s still pretty bad.“
Though it’s up in the air if he’ll be fit in time to step onto the pitch at the weekend, Sam is still going to be a presence at training sessions in the build up under the care of Gary the physio.
He said: “I’m just going to go lie on his bed every single day and get a rub down…!”
Sam cuddled his sister Louise after finishing the challenge but his girlfriend Samie Elishi wasn’t in attendance.
He also received a phone call from Orlando Bloom in the This Morning studio who congratulated him on the superhuman effort.
Chris Hughes, Ryan Libbey and Josh Patterson were all on hand at various points of the challenge to offer support.
This Sunday’s game will see huge celebs battle it out in an England XI v World XI.
The teams are being managed by Tyson Fury and Wayne Rooney, respectively.
Love Island star makes racy sex confession ahead of show launch tonight
A LOVE Island star has made a racy sex confession ahead of the show’s return to screens TONIGHT.
A new group of singletons looking for love are set to enter the ITV villa.
Among them is Irish rugby player Conor Phillips – who was drafted in to the villa as a replacement for axed Kyle Ashman.
Original star Kyle, 23, was struck from the dating show line-up after it was revealed that he had been held and questioned by police over a machete attack at a wake.
Speaking to press, Conor revealed the most unusual place he’s had sex.
The 25-year-old shared: “Probably behind a nightclub, I think, is the craziest, to be honest.
“I know it’s nothing too crazy. I was young as well.”
Meanwhile, Conor also discussed how his mother feels about him joining Love Island.
He said: “It’s a weird one for parents. My mam will be quite reserved and lowkey. So, it’s a bit out of her comfort zone.
“But again, she knew that I’m an adult, so I’m going to make my own decision, and she’s going to support me.
“And she has supported me. But yeah, it’s a bit of a weird one, isn’t it, if your child decides to do something like this.”
Revealing his preparations for the villa, Conor shared: “I had budgie smugglers in my hand. I just thought of everyone else who is going to be watching the show and said no.
“I put them down. It would have been too stereotypical rugby player. In terms of getting ready for the show, I actually haven’t changed any diet, or any gym routine.
“I train quite heavily anyway, so that side of it was taken care of.”
He also reflected on past relationships, remarking: “I’ve only had one. It just didn’t work out, because it was my first one. I was 23 as well, so single my whole life.
“I probably just didn’t want to get in a relationship, because I didn’t want to have that commitment. I’m an only child.
“I’ve never really had to answer to many people and stuff. So then when I had to tell this person everything I was doing, it was just a bit heavy on me.
“And we lived four hours away from each other. The distance was too much.
It comes as he previously admitted to breaking a show rule after having signed up.
Islanders are forbidden from revealing their involvement in the series before entering the villa.
However, Conor revealed he’d sought the advice of past winner Greg O’Shea, a fellow Irish rugby player.
He told press: “I know Greg through rugby circles so I spoke to him about going on Love Island.
Love Island 2025 full lineup
- Harry Cooksley: A 29-year-old footballer with charm to spare.
- Sophie Lee: A model and motivational speaker who has overcome adversity after suffering life-changing burns in an accident.
- Shakira Khan: A 22-year-old Manchester-based model, ready to turn heads.
- Blu Chegini: A boxer with striking model looks, seeking love in the villa.
- Megan Moore: A payroll specialist from Southampton, looking for someone tall and stylish.
- Alima Gagigo: International business graduate with brains and ambition.
- Tommy Bradley: A gym enthusiast with a big heart.
- Helena Ford: A Londoner with celebrity connections, aiming to find someone funny or Northern.
- Ben Hullbra: A model ready to make waves.
- Megan Clarke: An Irish actress already drawing comparisons to Maura Higgins.
- Dejon Noel-Williams: A personal trainer and semi-pro footballer, following in his footballer father’s footsteps.
- Aaron Buckett: A towering 6’5” personal trainer.
- Conor Phillips: A 25-year-old Irish rugby pro
- Antonia Laites: Love Island’s first bombshell revealed as sexy Las Vegas pool party waitress.
- Rose Selway: Beauty salon owner from Devon who runs 12 aesthetics clinics, boasting a famous clientele including former Love Islanders
Departures:
- Kyle Ashman: Axed after an arrest over a machete attack emerged. He was released with no further action taken and denies any wrongdoing.
“He just said ‘be yourself, it’s a really really really cool experience that not many people get.
“So enjoy it and yeah take it day by day and if you can be yourself you can’t really go too far wrong’.
“So that’s my plan. He was like ‘my advice might be a bit different from others because I won’.”
Love Island returns tonight at 9pm on ITV2.
A guide to interest rates, fees and costs of equity release in 2025
DECIDING to take out equity release is a big decision, so being fully informed and understanding the costs is important if you’re thinking of using this form of financing.
Equity release is a way for homeowners aged 55 or older to access money. It either comes as a home reversion plan or a lifetime mortgage.
A home reversion plan involves selling all or part of your home in exchange for a lump sum or regular income, while living typically rent-free until you die or move into long-term care and your home is sold.
The lifetime mortgage is the most common form of equity release, and is a loan secured against your property.
Interest will be charged on any money released but, unlike other types of lending, you are not required to make any monthly repayments.
You can choose to repay the interest and part of the outstanding balance, but this is subject to certain limits and early repayment charges may apply above a set value.
Explore your later life lending options with Age Partnership
If you don’t choose to repay the interest, it will compound, and the amount outstanding will continue to increase.
Once you die or move into long-term care, the initial amount you borrowed from your provider, plus any accrued interest will need to be repaid, usually from the sale of your home.
The setup costs and applicable charges will vary depending on your circumstances and which plan is the most suitable for you. But to get an idea of what you could be charged, we’ve explained how interest rates and fees cost in more detail.
What is the interest rate on equity release?
Just like other financing options – like a mortgage or credit card – the interest you’ll pay on equity release is set by the provider.
It’s worth getting in touch with an equity release provider to check what rates are available to you. Any rate you are offered could be influenced by your circumstances, such as your health and age.
Are equity release rates rising?
Lifetime mortgage interest rate options also change frequently.
Lenders tend to base their plans on Gilt rates, or UK government bonds. So, when the yield on UK government bonds goes up, lifetime mortgage rates can follow suit.
Gilt rates are also linked to the Bank of England’s base rate, which has fallen since August 2024. Some economists are forecasting further cuts in the future but for now, any changes to the market or fluctuation of rates remains pure speculation.
Again, seeking the advice of an equity release adviser is crucial.
It is worth noting that you can choose an equity release plan with an interest rate that is fixed for the duration of your plan, to protect you from future rate increases.
If rates fall, then you can get in touch with an equity release adviser again to look at potentially moving plans if it’s suitable for your circumstances at the time.
Dangers of equity release
EQUITY release can be a good way to unlock cash in retirement – but there are some dangers to consider, according to The Sun’s Tara Evans.
Interest rates on lifetime mortgages are around 5.5%, with some topping 8%. This means they can be more expensive than a traditional mortgage and you should always consider downsizing first.
You could end up owing more than you borrowed, although it will never be more than the value of your home.
Using equity release to take cash from your home will reduce the assets you have to pass on to loved ones when you die.
It is a long-term commitment and you may be charged an early redemption fee that can be as high as 25% if you want to pay it off.
Be aware that equity release could affect or stop your benefits.
Always seek advice from a qualified equity release adviser.
How does interest on equity release work?
Some people will choose to repay the interest rate in order to stop it compounding. To provide some idea of how much you could pay, consider this example.
If you took out a £50,000 loan at an interest rate of 6.5%, the annual interest charged would be £3,250. If you wished to repay the interest monthly, this would equate to £270.83 per month.
If you decide not to repay the interest and choose to let it compound, £3,250 would be added to your outstanding balance and interest the next year would be charged at 6.5% rate on a £53,250 loan which is £3,461.25 for the year or £288.43 a month.
You may prefer to make partial interest payments to suit your budget. Anything you choose to pay will help to limit the roll up of interest if you want to preserve equity in your property for care costs or to leave to your loved ones.
An equity release adviser will provide an illustration of what interest will be charged on your plan, and how the interest will roll up if no payments are made.
What is the cost of equity release?
There are other costs to consider with a lifetime mortgage besides the interest, such as:
Application or arrangement fee
Much like applying for a mortgage, some equity release policies may require an application fee to start the process. If there is an application or arrangement charge, your equity release adviser will include this in the fee section of the illustration.
Financial Advice
No one can take out equity release without advice from a qualified adviser.
Different companies can charge different advice fees. Age Partnership, for example, provide initial advice for free and without obligation. Only if your case completes would their advice fee of £1,895 be payable.
Calculate how much you could unlock
Legal advice
You’ll need a solicitor to take care of the legal paperwork when taking out equity release.
Part of their service may include securing a legal charge against your property, which will allow your equity release provider to release your funds.
Legal advice fees may vary on a case-by-case basis.
Valuation fee
In order to get an estimate of how much equity you can release from a lifetime mortgage, your lender will need an accurate valuation of your home. This needs to come from a professional valuation, and not an estate agent’s verdict.
Some lenders may not charge a valuation fee, for others, the fees may differ depending on the price of your home.
Interest
Of all these costs, your interest charges will likely be the most expensive.
What you eventually pay in interest depends on a number of things, from how long you stay in your home to the rate charged by your provider.
If your adviser recommends a lifetime mortgage, they will find the plan that best suits your circumstances and priorities and they will provide you with full details of the interest that would apply, and the specific terms and flexibility of your plan.
What is the total set-up cost?
According to MoneyHelper, a government personal finance guidance website, you can expect to pay between £1,500 and £3,000 to set up your equity release plan. That excludes any interest that will accrue.
Will I be charged if I repay my equity release early?
You could be charged an early repayment fee if you decide to repay the loan earlier than expected.
These fees can be expensive, so it’s important to explore all your options, as it may be more beneficial to make repayments and reduce the balance over time instead.
Calculate how much you could unlock
Can I get free financial advice for equity release?
As advice is required before proceeding with equity release, Age Partnership can help you find out more and if it could be right for your individual circumstances.
Through their service, initial advice is provided for free and without obligation. Only if your case completes would an advice fee of £1,895 be payable. Other lender and solicitor fees may apply.
You should be aware that equity release requires paying off any existing mortgage. It will also reduce the value of your estate and impact funding long-term care.
Contact Age Partnership to find out more about equity release
Age Partnership is a trading name of Age Partnership Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
FCA registered number 425432. Company registered in England and
Wales No. 5265969. VAT registration number 162 9355 92. Registered address, 2200 Century Way, Thorpe Park, Leeds, LS15 8ZB.
Shoppers race to grab summer holiday essential in Primark – it’s in the sale for only £3 and ‘lasts 10 years’
SHOPPERS are running to Primark after spotting a summer holiday essential in the sale – and it’s only £3.
Now that summer is finally upon us, and with temperatures set to ramp up again next week, many of us are likely making plans for trips abroad.
And the high street giant has got you covered for everything you need.
Primark is one of the best-loved brands on the high street, and is constantly wowing us with its stylish but affordable fashion.
From cute dresses to on-trend work attire, the fast-fashion range always hits the mark – and its new summer travel collection is no exception.
The bargain retailer released a range of passport holders, travel pillows and airport-friendly travel bottles earlier this year.
But it’s an even cheaper buy that has got shoppers legging it to their nearest store this week.
Sharing a snap on the BARGAIN LOVERS – Poundland, Home Bargains, B&M, Primark, The Range & More Facebook page, which boasts 843,000 members, one savvy shopper wrote: “Beach towels at Primark.”
In the picture, a price tag shows the towels are priced down from £4 to just £3,
The high street giant’s beach towels are usually priced from a minimum of £7 on the website – so it works out as a great saving.
The sale item is available in four colours – teal, hot pink, lilac and baby pink.
And it’s the perfect size for covering a sun lounger on holiday to set you up for a day of tanning.
One shopper gushed: “Just what I need. If they are like the ones I have now they are great, lasted 10 years!”
“Go grab some after work”, pleaded a second.
Someone else hailed the towels as a “bargain”, while a fourth wrote: “Need a couple for holidays.”
The beach towels aren’t the only things you’ll want to keep an eye out for in Primark if you’re jetting off on holiday soon.
Shoppers can’t get enough of the bargain chain’s perfect summer holiday beach bag that’s waterproof and only £10.
Holidaymakers are also raving about a viral cabin bag that’s perfect for Ryanair flights.
So if you’re lucky enough to be going abroad any time soon and don’t fancy splashing the cash on hold luggage, then you’ve come to the right place.
Thanks to the new pull-along cabin bag from Primark, not only will you travel in style for your next trip, but you’ll be able to fit in everything you need whilst saving on hold luggage costs.
And a triple-threat £8 top will solve all your problems in the sizzling heat.
Why is Primark the place to go to for bargains?
JUST how does Primark do it? Continue delivering on-trend items at such incredible prices? According to bosses, it's down to four points.
- They “sell a lot of items” – Thanks to that, they are able to make savings by buying in bulk for their 191 UK stores
- They “do very little advertising”
- While their clothes offer the “latest trends”, they “don’t use expensive hangers, tags or labels”.
- And lastly, they try to be “as efficient as possible when transporting products from factories to stores”. This includes things like asking “suppliers to pack our t-shirts so they are ready to go straight on shelf”.
For more information about how Primark keeps their costs so low, and are able to deliver such amazing bargains, visit the Primark website.
Moment truck driver sends OAP flying after smashing into her while he was distracted by sat-nav
THIS is the shocking moment a driver sent an OAP flying after smashing into her while distracted by his sat-nav.
Glen Brady was driving a HGV through Cheshire when he swerved across the road.
He then mounted the kerb before ploughing into a 67-year-old pedestrian.
Footage released by police showed the woman being flung across a grassy area.
Brady, 47, then comes to a stop as the pedestrian lays sprawled on the ground.
Miraculously, she managed to escape the smash with just minor injuries.
Brady pleaded guilty to dangerous driving when he appeared at Crewe Magistrates’ Court.
He was spared jail and instead handed a 24-week sentence, suspended for 12 months.
Brady was also banned from driving for 18 months and must complete an extended driving test before he is allowed to get behind the wheel again.
The court was told he was driving towards Congleton at around 1.40pm on December 17 when he became distracted by his sat-nav.
Police Constable James Shrimpton, of the Constabulary’s Roads and Crime Team, said: “I hope this case makes other motorists think very carefully about their actions behind the wheel and that they should be aware that when they get in a vehicle, they have the potential to cause real damage and even take a life.
“You have not only your life in your hands but other road users and this needs to be remembered every time you make that journey.
“The pedestrian involved in this collision was discharged the same day and was very lucky to come away with only minor injuries.
“Due to the nature of Glen Brady’s driving and the sheer size of the vehicle itself, we could have quite easily been dealing with a much more serious, or even fatal, injuries.”